Register for the Nov. election, vote Torres, Garcia, Hagarty and other Herald letters

Nikki Torres has right experience

Nikki Torres knows how to lead the City of Pasco as we recover from this pandemic. She has many years of experience working with small businesses and in economic development as a small business development officer helping businesses with loans and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and currently as a strategic partnerships manager at Western Governors University. Nikki knows how the economy works. That’s the experience and knowledge we need on the Pasco City Council for District 3.

One city council member, however, can’t do the job alone. It takes someone who understands the importance of collaboration, listening to everyone, and forging partnerships with council and community members with diverse views and backgrounds to get things done. That’s Nikki. She’s a past president of the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and has served on the boards for Tri-Cities Community Health and the Kennewick Police Department Foundation. These experiences and her collaborative approach is exactly what the people of Pasco need as we build a strong, vibrant and equitable economy and community. I hope that District 3 residents will vote for a better Pasco. Please vote for Nikki Torres for Pasco City Council, District 3!

John Kennedy, Pasco

Hagarty is proven leader for port

As I drive by the signs for Jane Hagarty, who is running for re-election on the Port of Benton, I read, “Proven Leadership.” Could not be better said.

It has been my good fortune to work with Jane over the years on a number of projects. Rock steady, she analyzes the issues before she makes a statement. Rarely does she do anything except come to a solidly correct conclusion. What a joy it has been to work with her.

Jane has been a friend since junior high school days. She has operated successful businesses all the while raising a lovely family. She is a human dynamo, tireless in her drive to get things done correctly and on time.

Let’s retain Jane Hagarty as our port commissioner!

Richard Olsen, Prosser

Garcia’s focus is on our students

I am enthusiastically recommending Danica Garcia for Richland School Board.

Throughout our son’s K-12 career in Richland schools, I communicated with the Richland School Board on a variety of issues and participated on district committees such as curriculum adoption. Among the issues I raised with the school board was that of equity across the district. While true equity across all income levels is a never-ending quest, it is essential that this item never fall from the top of the list of our goals in Richland.

We need responsible, non-partisan School Board directors who fully understand both the scope and the limitations of the job — and remain focused on improving opportunities for all students rather than on making divisive political statements.

I have met Danica Garcia and spoken with her about her vision for the students in the Richland School District. Danica is genuinely passionate about moving our education system forward to the benefit of all our kids. She will serve all students equally and listen to concerns from all constituents with a nonpartisan ear. She has the knowledge, experience and background to hit the ground running.

Please join me in voting for Danica Garcia for Richland School Board!

Barbara Chen, Richland

Register, then vote in Nov. 2 election

Voter registration requirements in Washington state: 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, live at your current address for 30 days before the election and if applicable, have a completed sentence with the Department of Corrections for a felony. Online and mail-in registration deadline: Oct. 25. In-person registration deadline: before 8 p.m. on election day, Nov. 2, at your county auditor’s office.

To register, check status or update your registration: go to https://voter.votewa.gov or VOTE411.org. Requirements: driver’s permit, license or state ID. Otherwise, print the form, fill it out and mail. Your vote-by-mail ballot will be mailed on Oct. 15. If you do not receive one, contact your county’s auditor’s office. Ensure your vote is counted: vote early, carefully sign the envelope, add your phone number.

Mail your ballot well before election day to make sure it arrives on time. Alternatively, use a county ballot drop box or hand deliver your ballot to the auditor’s office. Be an educated voter. You are not required to vote for everything on the ballot. Read the Voter Guide that was sent to you or visit the online links provided above. Your local League of Women Voters candidate forums are listed at www.lwv-bf.org. Please Vote!

Beverly Johnson-Torelli

LWV of Benton and Franklin Counties

Cole right pick for Prosser schools

During the past four years, I have found Jesalyn Cole to be an extraordinarily kind and humble woman who can be counted on to do the right thing every time. The Prosser community can be assured that Jes will remain dedicated and loyal to our community.

Jesalyn’s choice to educate her own children within the (Prosser) district versus having those funds go to a neighboring district, as her opponent has done, speaks to the value she places on Prosser education. Her service on the board helps ensure that all students have access to quality educators and programs.

Jesalyn is a trained educator, a person of integrity, has strong ethics and high moral character. She has no hidden agendas and is dedicated to improving the educational experiences for all students. Jes is a shining example of a dedicated servant leader, and she is the type of director that we can count on for making solid, well thought out decisions. One of her greatest strengths is that she approaches every situation in a thoughtful manner, listens carefully and considers all aspects before seeking common ground and collaborative solutions.

Please join me in voting for Jesalyn Cole for Prosser School Board District.

Peggy S. Douglas, Prosser

Valentine’s view of world too narrow

Micah Valentine’s web site is a window into his narrow world view. Under News Outlets, he’s listed one America News Network, Turning Point USA, Epoch Times, Newsmax and KONA 610. Other than KONA, there isn’t single reputable news source listed. Scrolling further through his website, you will find that Micah has proudly accepted the Republican party endorsement in a nonpartisan race.

Micah has stated, “unions and liberals don’t want me to win,” in a Facebook post complaining about his campaign signs getting knocked down. This post was made after his opponent was endorsed by the IBEW. In a recent post, Micah states that his opponent no longer has children in the school district and therefore has no business running for school board. As a taxpayer who had four children educated in Kennewick schools, I was deeply bothered by this idea that only parents of current students care about education.

Attempts to engage with Micah on these and other issues have either been ignored or answered in platitudes and empty promises. Micah appears to have little time for facts that get in the way of his opinions. Please join me in voting for Scott Rodgers for Kennewick School Board.

Tana Bentley, Kennewick

AJ Hill knows fire district’s needs

It is with great enthusiasm that I submit this letter of support for AJ Hill, running for Benton County Fire District 4 commissioner.

As the former chief of District 4, and an individual with more than 20 years of experience before that with the Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Department, I know what it takes to be a fire commissioner. It takes someone who is a visionary, who can look at the state of the district and strategically plan for its future. It takes a collaborator who can work with elected leaders, citizens and other agencies toward establishing successful partnerships and accomplishing common goals. It takes someone who knows how a district should be managed, and effectively works with other commissioners so that whenever a call comes in for fire or emergency medical service, the most highly trained, professional firefighters and paramedics will be responding to the call. It takes someone like AJ Hill.

As Fire District 4 Chief, AJ was a mentor to me. I knew what was needed; AJ knew how to get the resources to make it happen. He will continue to work for the residents of Fire District 4 as commissioner.

William Whealan, West Richland