Our Voice: Tri-City Herald offers election recommendations

Over the past few weeks we have interviewed candidates in 19 contested races and researched two state initiatives.

We debated and then decided. Our election recommendations then were published in place of other editorial topics because we believe the process provides a unique and valuable opportunity.

It forces candidates to go on the record and defend their position on several issues. It also helps us to better know those serving on the various local councils and boards.

In many cases, picking one candidate over another was extremely difficult — and that’s a good thing. It means voters will be well represented regardless of who wins. In other cases, the better choice was more obvious, but we still appreciate everyone who stepped up to run. Campaigning keeps incumbents on their toes and allows newcomers a chance to stretch their involvement in the community.

Now it is up to the voters to do their part and mark their ballots. They were mailed over a week ago and are due Nov. 3.

We hope our area will make a better showing this time around. In the primary election in August, Benton County had the unfortunate distinction of having the lowest voter turnout in the state. Walla Walla County was barely ahead of Benton County, and Franklin County was seventh from the bottom.

So, to help voters out, we repeat our recommendations today, and readers can go to the Tri-City Herald website and look up past editorials to find out what led to our decisions. Here is the list:

Statewide

Initiative 1366: No

Initiative 1401: No

Regional

State House of Representatives 9th District: Richard Lathim

Benton County

Kennewick City Council Position 5: Matt Boehnke

Kennewick City Council Position 6: Paul Parish

Richland City Council Position 6: Donnie Landsman

Richland City Council Position 7: Dori Luzzo Gilmour

West Richland City Council Position 1: John Smart

West Richland City Council Position 5: Robert Perkes

West Richland City Council Position 6: Scott Whalen

West Richland City Council Position 7: Tony Benegas

Richland School Board Position 3: Rick Donahoe

Richland School Board Position 4: Brett Amidan

Richland School Board Position 5: Gordon Comfort

Kennewick Public Hospital District Board Position 4: Vic Johnson

Kennewick Public Hospital District Board Position 7: Mike McWhorter

Franklin County

Pasco City Council District 1, Position 1: Al Yenney

Pasco City Council District 5, Position 5: Rebecca Francik

Pasco City Council At Large, Position 6: Matt Watkins

Pasco School Board Position 1: Scott Lehrman

Pasco School Board Position 2: Aaron Richardson

This story was originally published October 23, 2015 at 10:44 PM with the headline "Our Voice: Tri-City Herald offers election recommendations."