Millbauer deserves 2nd term on Kennewick 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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The race for Kennewick City Council Position 7 pits a first-term incumbent vs. a well-qualified challenger. We recommend voters give the nod to incumbent Jim Millbauer.
Four years ago, Millbauer campaigned as a good listener and a mediator who could work with sometimes-prickly public officials. Council debates still can become contentious, but Millbauer has proved himself capable of engaging with diverse groups and coalitions to build bridges. He has made economic development a priority during his first four years.
Terms like ‘liberal’ and ‘conservative’ don’t particularly belong in discussions of local city councils. Council races are nonpartisan because the major issues that divide Republicans and Democrats nationally have little bearing on building roads and setting up zoning.
That said, the Kennewick council currently has a conservative majority, for lack of a better term. Millbauer provides a moderating voice that informs council deliberations. If his opponent, Ted Owens, wins, the council would skew further, losing valuable perspective.
To his credit, Owens gave voters a choice. The other two incumbents up for reelection on the council are unopposed. Contested races elevate the debate and force incumbents to defend their records.
Yet Owens faces an uphill battle. Any challenger must make the case that an incumbent is flawed and that voters should throw away the experience accrued from serving in the position already.
Owens is a fine candidate with community experience, but he has not offered a compelling argument to oust Millbauer after his successful first term.
Watch the editorial board’s conversation with Jim Millbauer and Ted Owens at tri-cityherald.com.
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 22, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
