Pasco voters have some tough choices in council races | 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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Four Pasco City Council seats are up for grabs on the November ballot, one at-large and three in geographic districts. The election is nonpartisan, although some candidates have secured endorsements from political parties.
Growth is the critical issue facing Pasco. One study last year ranked the city among the 10 fastest-growing in the country.
It cited rising average incomes and business growth alongside population increases. The State Office of Financial Management estimated Pasco had 81,300 residents on April 1. That’s more than 20,000 new residents in just over a decade.
The city needs leaders who will look toward a future with more people and more businesses that will need more housing and more infrastructure.
The city council also must contend with a common problem in Washington communities: homelessness. Regional cooperation on the issue is essential, but that does not absolve each city from taking steps to help its neediest residents.
The Tri-City Herald Editorial Board interviewed candidates and reviewed their records and qualifications in deciding whom to recommend in each race. We commend all the candidates for stepping up to run. Competitive elections elevate the public discourse and give voters a choice, which is a cornerstone of democracy.
Voters can view our endorsement interviews online at tri-cityherald.com.
District 2: J.R. Campos
The Pasco City Council appointed J.R. Campos in January 2022 to fill a District 2 vacancy in part because he had served five years on the city’s planning commission. That experience will help the council plan for growth.
Campos was born and raised in the city. Electing him will provide important continuity on a council that has seen turnover in recent years, as well as a voice for the city’s Hispanic residents.
His challenger, Charles Grimm, is enthusiastic about Pasco and has the sort of friendly personality that plays well with the public. He just doesn’t have the local knowledge and experience that warrants unseating a successful incumbent.
District 2 follows the river from Road 76 to the southeastern corner of the city.
District 3: No recommendation.
We were unable to schedule an endorsement interview with Irving Brown and Leo Perales. It’s clear that Perales has worked hard for the people of his district and is passionate about serving. It’s also clear that Brown has the respect of his community and the advantage of incumbency. We encourage voters to consult the voters’ pamphlet, Brown’s and Perales’ campaign websites and other forums before making a decision.
District 3 includes most of Pasco’s northern neighborhoods.
District 5: David Milne
David Milne is an incumbent whose challenger is barely mounting a campaign. Milne therefore earns our endorsement by default.
Milne criticizes council leadership, but if he wants to earn voters support against a more-serious candidate, he needs to step up his game and become a leader himself.
James Czebotar, Milne’s opponent, has not even attended a Pasco City Council meeting, which is a fundamental disqualifier. We give him credit, though, for entering the race and forcing Milne to defend his record and discuss issues with an opponent.
District 5 covers much of the western part of the city.
Position 7: Peter Harpster
Position 7 is Pasco’s only at-large position, which means that all voters elect this council member. It also is an open seat, so neither candidate has the advantage of incumbency. Both Peter Harpster and Kim Lehrman are strong candidates.
We narrowly give the nod to Harpster because he shared a deeper understanding of issues related to growth. Both have experience in planning issues, though. Harpster served on the Franklin County Planning Commission, and Lehrman serves on the Pasco Planning Commission.
Harpster also offers slightly stronger answers to questions about collaboration on the council and in the community.
It’s a shame these two are running against each other. Pasco would benefit from having both on the city council. We hope whoever loses runs again.
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 23, 2023 at 2:40 PM.
