Franklin County needs commissioners who can end the dysfunction | Editorial
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Tri-City Herald 2024 election recommendations
The Tri-City Herald Editorial Board met with more than two dozen candidates for local and state office. Here are their endorsements.
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Controversy has plagued the Franklin County Commission lately, most of it self-inflicted.
Voters therefore should carefully weigh their options this year as two of the three commissioners are on the ballot. We recommend they return one for another term and replace the other.
District 1: Stephen Bauman
Incumbent Commissioner Stephen Bauman was appointed to fill a vacancy in January, so he is still relatively green. To his credit, he avoided the criminal investigations that hit the other two commissioners and cooperated with investigators. He found other ways to contribute to the disarray, though. He changed the locks on his office to keep the sheriff out and conducted a paranoid search for recording devices.
Nevertheless, if there’s a voice of moderation on the commission, it’s him.
The same couldn’t be said of his opponent, Caleb Atkins, who is running on a far-right agenda to “protect the next generation from anti-American ideology that incentivizes victimhood rather than initiative.” We remain uncertain how that applies to balancing the budget and rebuilding public trust.
We recommend voters stick with Bauman and hope he gets his act together as he gains experience.
District 2: Blanche Barajas
Blanche Barajas isn’t an ideal candidate. She failed to submit information for the voters’ guide and provided too many vague answers in her interview with the editorial board. Nevertheless, she at least has experience in office, serving on the Pasco City Council. In 2022, she became the city’s first Latina mayor.
Fortunately for her, she’s running against Rocky Mullen, who has been at the eye of the storm with so many of the county’s recent controversies.
That included a criminal investigation, albeit one that did not end with charges. Returning Mullen to office won’t change the dysfunction at the county. A new voice is needed.
Whomever voters elect will step into a county in disarray. The commission must rebuild trust with the public and county employees, hire a new administrator, close a looming budget shortfall and figure out how to provide core services in a growing community that struggles economically.
This story was originally published October 25, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
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.
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