Marianne Boring or Theresa Richardson for Richland City Council? The Herald weighs in
Homelessness and the lack of affordable housing were the running themes in nearly all of our interviews with Richland City Council candidates this year.
There are concerns that if Richland does not get ahead of the problem, the community risks facing the tent towns that dot the urban landscape in many cities in western Washington.
In the race between incumbent Marianne Boring and challenger Theresa Richardson, the issue was especially interesting.
Over the years, Boring has immersed herself for so long in city land use issues that it’s no wonder she was selected nearly a year ago to fill a vacant seat on the council.
Out of 33 applicants, Boring and Richardson made the final cut of three to replace former Councilman Brad Anderson, who left in August 2020 for health reasons.
Boring was the choice for the council then, and she is our pick now.
Before her council appointment, she had served 19 years on the Richland Board of Adjustment. In addition, she served on the Richland Planning Commission for 14 years — all while she was also on the adjustment board, so she was doing double-duty.
She is a professional land use planner who has worked with government agencies across the West and she said she has learned what works and what doesn’t.
When the city council recently voted to sell an old building for $1 to Columbia Basin College, she wanted to hit pause on the deal because she thought the site might come in handy someday. It is near a bus terminal and the hospital, and she thought perhaps it could be used to provide social services of some kind.
The rest of the council did not agree with her and the sale went through, but it’s the kind of forward thinking that is so impressive. Boring also is used to going beyond the summary of land use proposals and focusing on the fine print, and that’s a valuable asset on the council.
Richardson was the former head of Habitat for Humanity in the Tri-Cities and, judging by what she has heard from citizens on her door-knocking campaign, she said homelessness is a big concern.
“Please don’t let us become another Seattle or Portland,” is what she heard over and over again.
Her life’s work has been helping people find a way to get their own home and she would bring a unique perspective from that arena if she were elected.
Richardson is energetic and said she would be a voice on the council that would represent the broader community. She has a lot of volunteer experience, including working with the Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Union Gospel Mission and the Boys & Girls Club.
Her history of working collaboratively is a plus.
But Boring is a collaborator too, and she has a wealth of knowledge about city codes and land use needs. She said that over 80% of the city council agenda each week is devoted to some kind of land use action and her experience on those issues is unparalleled.
We agree.
The Tri-City Herald recommends Marianne Boring for Richland City Council, Position No. 2.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREBehind Our Election Recommendations
Who decides the recommendations?
Members of 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 2022 election, the board includes: Cecilia Rexus, Herald editorial writer; Laurie Williams, Herald executive editor; Jack Briggs, retired Herald publisher; Ken Robertson, retired Herald executive director; Matt Taylor, retired Herald editorial writer; Mike Paoli and Martin Valadez, community representatives.
This story was originally published October 21, 2021 at 2:57 PM.