Voters, demand answers to critical questions from Tri-Cities candidates | Editorial

2025 is a local election year. Dozens of races will appear on the Aug. 5 primary and the Nov. 4 general election ballots. The results will shape the future of the Tri-Cities for years to come.

As candidates campaign in the months ahead, voters should demand answers to critical questions.

Local races for city councils, county commissions, school boards and other governing bodies differ from big state and federal races. These are nonpartisan races, and the candidates are neighbors who want to serve their community.

At a minimum, they deserve thanks for stepping up to do a job that can deliver more heartburn than peaceful nights. Things can get bad. Local officials increasingly receive threats and harassment, leading to burnout, resignations and retirements.

Voters therefore should look for candidates who possess the emotional and mental fortitude, not to mention the personal support network, to excel under such challenging circumstances.

The unfortunate reality is that the general distaste for politics that pervades American culture dissuades people from running. Too many races — dozens of them — are uncontested.

No candidate — incumbent or otherwise — deserves a free pass.

Benton and Franklin Counties are among the fastest growing in the state, and could have 400,000 residents by 2040. Voters must ask candidates how they balance the need for growth and economic development with paying for services.

Should projects in Richland’s Targeted Urban Area or at the Port of Kennewick receive millions in tax breaks now that will reduce future tax revenue?

Likewise, how will elected leaders ensure that growth enhances livability for all and that the Tri-Cities are prepared to house and employ those future residents?

Growth affects more than just city and county governments. School districts must adapt to changing demographics and funding – more or fewer students; more from low-income families or who speak English as a second language.

How will elected school board members ensure that all students receive the quality education they deserve while school finances are in flux?

State funding is unpredictable lately, and federal support that increased during the pandemic has returned to normal. Some school districts overextended spending on recurring costs with those one-time dollars and now face deficits that taxpayers are reluctant to cover.

Debates over curriculum, religion and culture war issues have flared up locally. Voters should consider which candidates will seek to inject more controversy and more politics into schools and which will tamp down those flames.

Remember, most local offices are nonpartisan. Voters should ask candidates if they will act like it. Deciding whether to fill a pothole should not rely on being a Democrat or Republican.

Every local governing body relies on support from Olympia, whether it be financial or policy. How will candidates work with state lawmakers to advance the needs of the Tri-Cities?

Can conservative local candidates temper their politics enough to find compromise with Democrats who control the state capital?

Internecine battles within Franklin County government illustrate how badly things can go when voters prioritize partisan agendas over temperament.

County commissioners, the sheriff and the auditor have let governance devolve into grudge matches, turf wars and legal investigations. Paying for lawyers and jail takeovers is a poor way to manage the public’s tax dollars.

Unlike statewide and federal elections, in a local election, voters have opportunities to engage directly with candidates. The people who run for school board, city council, county commission or any other local office are neighbors.

Voters can run into them at the grocery store, a local meeting, a candidate forum or just walking the dog. Candidates might go door-to-door and be ready to chat for a few minutes.

Take advantage of those encounters. There are a host of local issues that need strong leadership from residents who want to do right by their community and put in the necessary work.

If the Tri-Cities want better governance, the people must demand it, not just passively accept it or, worse, be apathetic when they don’t get it.