3 recommendations for five seats on Richland City Council | Opinion
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Tri-Cities Nov. 7, 2023 General Election
Here’s everything you need to know about local elections in the Tri-Cities this November.
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Richland voters will choose five city council members in the November election. That has the potential to upend the status quo on the seven-member council.
Council positions are nonpartisan, but some council members have politicized the position. It’s hard to develop solutions to the lack of affordable housing, homelessness and infrastructure when council members are posturing instead of leading.
There’s also a geographic imbalance, with the relatively well-to-do neighborhood of south Richland overrepresented.
The Tri-City Herald Editorial Board interviewed candidates and reviewed their records and qualifications in deciding whom to recommend. We commend all the candidates for stepping up to run. Competitive elections elevate the public discourse and give voters a choice — a cornerstone of democracy.
Position 2: Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Vann-Clark
Liz Vann-Clark offers thoughtful analysis of critical issues and would provide perspectives that are missing on the current council.
Her opponent, Councilwoman Theresa Richardson is well-intentioned but has stirred controversy. When she sought the office a couple of years ago, she promised to treat people with “kindness and respect.” That was notably lacking when she became an instigator of anti-LGBTQ activism, vandalism and threats against a drag show at the Emerald of Siam.
But this is not a recommendation against Richardson over one incident. Rather we are pleased to recommend Vann-Clark who impressed the board during her interview. She displayed a deeper, more-nuanced understanding of issues like housing and homelessness than the incumbent. As a resident of central Richland, she would help balance the south Richland council bloc. She would make an excellent addition.
Position 5: D. Shayne VanDyke
Incumbent Councilman Shayne VanDyke sometimes slips into jargony Hanford-speak, but his knowledge, experience and skills as a mediator commend him for reelection. He has been a moderating voice against the political polarization on council.
His opponent, Gregery Levy, has an attractive skill set and experience. He is in touch with the community and focused on issues like homelessness. But he isn’t running a robust campaign, and when pressed for specifics on some issues, he doesn’t have the same depth of knowledge as VanDyke.
Richland is lucky to have two compelling candidates in this race. Either would serve the community well, but we recommend VanDyke. If he wins, the city would do well to find a position for Levy to gain more experience for a future run.
Position 6: Kurt Maier
This is the only race that does not include an incumbent. The candidates represent two visions of Richland, one that looks to the future and one that looks to the past.
Kurt Maier, a longtime library board member, sees a brighter future. His personality is forceful but not objectionable, and he would shake things up on the council. Richland needs that. His opponent, Kent Madsen, is a status quo candidate.
We recommend Maier who will improve the diversity of ideas on the council and encourage robust conversations about the future.
Position 1: No recommendation
Incumbent Councilwoman Jhoanna Jones and her challenger Allison Ball could not be scheduled to meet with the editorial board. We therefore make no recommendation.
Jones is a real estate agent and mortgage broker who won election two years ago to fill an unexpired term. She impressed the board then and has not caused waves on the council.
Ball is an officer with the county Democratic Central Committee who provides precious little biographical information or concrete issue positions online.
Position 7: No recommendation
Challenger Joshua Short was available and eager to meet with our board and to share his ideas with the public but we decline to recommend either candidate because his opponent, incumbent Councilman Ryan Whitten, would not meet and defend his brief tenure. The council appointed Whitten to fill a vacancy in January, so Whitten has never been elected. The winner of this race will serve the remaining two years on that term.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREBehind Our Election Recommendations
Who decides the recommendations?
The Tri-City Herald editorial board is comprised of experienced opinion journalists and community members, and is separate from The Herald’s newsroom. Conversations are on the record.
What does the recommendation process entail?
Whenever possible, The Herald editorial board meets with opposing candidates at the same time. The questions are largely focused on a candidate’s qualifications and goals. The editorial board then discusses the candidates in each race and decides who to recommend. Board members seek to reach a consensus on our recommendations, but not every decision is unanimous.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making recommendations, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues, their understanding of public policy and their ability to work with the current board . We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats.
Why are the editorials unsigned?
Our election recommendations reflect the collective views of The Herald’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. For the 2024 election, the board includes: Laurie Williams, Herald executive editor; Jack Briggs, retired Herald publisher; Ken Robertson, retired Herald editor; Rosa Torres, community representative. Chris Trejbal is our editorial writer.
This story was originally published October 20, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
