Our Voice: Richland City Council: Gilmour and Landsman

There are two candidates listed on the ballot for Richland City Council Position 7, but only one can serve if elected.

And that’s Dori Luzzo Gilmour.

Greg Jones, the incumbent, filed for re-election in May, but later took a job out of state. Benton County election officials said by then it was too late to change the ballot.

Voters should ignore his name and vote for Gilmour. She is a quality candidate who would bring new energy to the city council and a unique perspective.

Prior to her decision to stay home full-time with her children, Gilmour was a tasting room manager and assistant winemaker at Terra Blanca. She said the city should do more to capitalize on the new wine science center at Washington State University Tri-Cities, and her background would help with that.

She is on the Richland Arts Commission and has been a professional radio announcer and broadcasting teacher at Tri-Tech Skills Center. She has an enthusiastic way of discussing her vision for the city, particularly improving Richland’s downtown corridor. She said promoting tourism in the community is a priority for her.

On the chance Jones earns more votes than Gilmour, the Richland City Council would have to appoint his replacement. That would be a shame. Gilmour is putting in the effort and would be a great addition to the city council.

Christensen v. Landsman

Richland City Councilman Terry Christensen has a long history of helping his community. He has served on the city council for the last four years, and prior to that he was a volunteer on the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission for 10 years.

His experience is a plus, he is dedicated to the job and he understands the challenges facing the city.

But we are impressed with his challenger, Donnie Landsman.

Landsman’s expertise is in government compliance and he has voluntarily drafted several pieces of state legislation over the years. He believes there needs to be more transparency and discussion at city council meetings, and that many issues are decided too quickly.

Christensen countered that much of the discussion is done at council workshops prior to the meetings. But even so, Landsman is on to something. Richland needs to involve the public more in its decision making, and Landsman is someone who would make that happen.

The Tri-City Herald recommends Dori Luzzo Gilmour and Donnie Landsman for Richland City Council.

This story was originally published October 13, 2015 at 6:59 AM with the headline "Our Voice: Richland City Council: Gilmour and Landsman."