Benton County will get a new commissioner next year. See who the Herald recommends
Both candidates for Benton County Commissioner have already held an elected post, which is good news for voters.
It means whoever gets the job has had some experience in government leadership, which should help make the learning curve less steep.
Bill Jenkin of Prosser served two terms in the Washington state Legislature. Michael Alvarez is currently the Richland mayor.
Both are Republicans, and both have worked hard serving their communities. As it happens they also have a background in finance.
Jenkin owns a vineyard and winery, and was a financial advisor for most of his career. He’s been president of the Prosser School Board and has also been involved with the Prosser Economic Development Association and the Prosser Chamber of Commerce..
He is incredibly civic minded and truly wants to help people.
Between January 2017 and January 2021, he represented the 16th legislative district in the state House, which covered Walla Walla and Columbia counties and parts of Benton and Franklin counties.
During his time in the Legislature he made valuable contacts that could be helpful when it comes to dealing with county-state relations.
His experience as a business owner and in the agriculture industry would be a plus. He also noted that people who live in rural Benton County could use a voice on the commission.
Jenkin said the farmers need help, and he would like to see more emphasis on the needs of those living in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Alvarez is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and co-owner of Vision Mortgage, and he teaches finance and business management.
He won a seat on the Richland City Council in 2017 and was selected this year to serve as the city’s mayor. As a city councilman, he assists in reviewing and managing the city’s $320 million budget, which he thinks prepares him well for the county commission.
He said dealing with budgeting and finance, public roads, infrastructure and development are all part of his wheelhouse.
Alvarez also wants to collaborate with the cities in Benton County and build relationships with other government officials.
In addition, he wants to be involved in making sure a proposed mental health and recovery center gets off the ground without raising new taxes.
And, he is committed to promoting the public safety sales tax that is up for renewal next year. The Tri-Cities cannot afford to let the tax sunset, he said,
Both candidates have notable supporters. Alvarez has been endorsed by Benton Commissioner Will McKay and outgoing Commissioner Shon Small, who decided not to run after serving three terms.
Jenkin is endorsed by Benton County Commissioner Jerome Delvin and Benton PUD Commissioner Barry Bush, who ran for the commission seat in the primary election last August.
Alvarez and Jenkin are both willing to listen to constituents and both, we are sure, will catch on quickly to the commissioner’s job.
But Alvarez time on the Richland City Council has given him some extra insight into the big priorities for the county – like the public safety sales tax and the recovery center.
We agree that his civic experience aligns more closely with that of a county commissioner, and that gives him the edge.
The Tri-City Herald recommends Michael Alvarez for Benton County Commissioner.
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 28, 2022 at 9:28 AM.