2 champions of West Richland want this city council post. Here is the Herald’s choice
Gail Brown’s roots run deep in West Richland.
She grew up in the community and has been a devoted member of the West Richland City Council for 24 years. She has the energy and passion to serve another term, and her commitment to her hometown is commendable.
But her opponent, May Hays, also has been heavily involved in supporting the growing city for the past 25 years. Through her volunteer work and her role as executive director of the West Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, Hays also displays a fierce devotion to the city she calls home.
Both candidates have the city’s best interests at heart.
The difference is that Brown’s priorities are not getting attention from the majority of the city council and it is difficult for her to be a productive force.
Hays would likely be a ray of encouraging light that would bring people together.
In this race, we recommend Hays.
She appears to appreciate the possibilities ahead and wants to help create a welcoming business climate for future growth in the city.
Hays respects Brown but thinks it is time for a change from negative to positive.
We agree.
Brown is passionate about protecting the older neighborhoods of West Richland, fearful that continued deferred maintenance will lead to huge problems later on, such as homeless camps and drug use.
Brown is the one person speaking up for those who have lived in the city for decades and are seeing their original neighborhoods taking a back seat to new construction. The fact sidewalks come in the new subdivisions at the expense of the contractor, not the city, does not ease Brown’s feeling that her overall concerns aren’t being addressed.
She admits she may be the angry and frustrated council member who isn’t being heard.
It’s a shame because some of her points are valid.
Brown wants a holistic approach to city planning and project budgeting. She laments that West Richland’s ratio of parks per people is the lowest in the state, and “they look just awful.”
She said West Richlanders like to think of their town as a bedroom community, but if city officials don’t start addressing deferred maintenance then the drugs and homelessness will come through and it is the older neighborhoods that are going to get hit.
Brown very well could be right. But she has unfortunately not been successful in getting her points across to a majority of council members.
Hays, however, didn’t strike us as someone who would dismiss the needs of older neighborhoods in West Richland in the pursuit of looking at future opportunities for the communities.
Hays talks of bringing the community together and acknowledges that demographics have changed and the wants of citizens have changed. She is poised to listen to all citizens, and to find a path forward that leaves no one behind.
She sees the conversation as being too much negative infighting and wants to move forward in a more positive manner.
It’s a unique twist to have an incumbent unhappy with the direction of the city council and a challenger who is delighted with it.
Brown is saying all the right things, but she unfortunately has been ineffective in getting others to listen.
Hays, on the other hand, has years of experience collaborating with others, which would serve her well if elected.
She has helped with many community events in West Richland, like Hogs & Dogs and Cool Desert Nights and the annual Veterans Day Parade. She talks glowingly of the city’s accomplishments — like getting voter approval for a new police station — and yet she has lived in the city long enough we don’t see her ignoring older parts of town.
Brown has served on the city council for over two decades and West Richland citizens owe her a huge debt of gratitude for her time and commitment to the city.
But it is time to give someone new a chance, and Hays is a great candidate.
The Tri-City Herald recommends May Hays for West Richland City Council, Position 3.
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.