Non-partisan races are a myth and other Tri-City Herald election letters to the editor
Non-partisan races are a myth
Non-partisan certainly means candidates are not officially designated on the ballot. Does it mean they don’t identify with a certain political party? Far from it. Non-partisan races make it more difficult for the voters to identify a candidate’s beliefs. They make it easier for candidates to hide their beliefs. It is a myth that if a race is non-partisan, the elected officials will be more impartial and unbiased.
In our local school board elections, some candidates claim to be non-partisan, but their donors are very political and include labor unions and teachers’ unions which are big supporters of the Democratic Party plus the Washington State Democratic Central Committee itself.
Local Democrats are saying don’t vote for anyone who is partisan. This makes it appear they are taking the high road, when it is to their advantage to do so. First, it hurts candidates in the Tri-Cities to associate with the Democratic Party. Second, they know they can hide their partisanship in the Public Disclosure Commission because most people don’t check, so they can be partisan without looking partisan.
Don’t believe the lie that non-partisan races are impartial and free of bias. Know which candidates share your beliefs.
Mike Massey, Kennewick
Chair, Benton County Republican Party
Hagarty’s insights invaluable at port
Being a resident of Prosser, I have had the opportunity to work with Jane Hagarty on many clubs and organizations. She has always served diligently. She was instrumental in the founding of the Prosser Economic Development Association, which has proved to be a vital partner along with the Historic Downtown Prosser Association and the Prosser Chamber of Commerce in Prosser. We served on these boards together and I found her to provide accurate insight and community knowledge to enable positive and effective conversation when dealing with diverse issues.
When I was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives, we frequently discussed economic issues concerning our region. She was often able to provide insight on ways to move forward and gain resolution. The port district’s responsibilities include economic development. The Port of Benton operates two airports, a rail line, industrial parks, winery locations and management of land for potential projects. Jane has the experience in dealing with these issues. I believe she will be the most suited to help lead the Port of Benton into the future.
I endorse Jane Hagarty because I know how much she cares and the passion she brings in serving all of us.
Bill Jenkin, Prosser
Garcia brings vision to board
There are over 7.5 billion people on the face of the earth; Benton County makes up about .000003% of that.
It is 93 million miles to the sun; while we get across the Ti-Cities in about 30 minutes.
One World Trade Center was over 1770 feet tall; Kadlec hospital has 5 stories.
I am not bringing this up to point out our small-size, rather to remind us that our children’s education and opportunities should have no limits. The world is filled with amazing events — some good, some bad — but we should be seeking ways to expand our children’s knowledge, so they can do better than us, not limit them.
One candidate for school board, Danica Garcia, is a person who knows no limits. Danica is optimistic and honest, warm and accepting; but also she is a hard worker who knows the value of expanding our children’s understanding of the world and she will work tirelessly as a member of the Richland School Board to ensure that opportunities exist for all of our children.
Our community deserves a diverse, knowledgeable and supportive school board that will encourage opportunities for all students, not limit them. This is why Danica Garcia has my vote in November.
Robin Ebert Mays, West Richland
Torres is great pick for Pasco
I applaud the Herald Editorial Board’s endorsement of Nikki Torres for Pasco City Council. Her credentials as a business, healthcare, education and community leader are unmatched. Additionally, her strong relationship with law enforcement (she has Sheriff Raymond’s support) gives her a seat at the table on community policing.
A top priority for her is affordable housing and smart urban growth. She will be an important bridge between builders and the city on developing housing options for every pocketbook. She is also keen on helping businesses and individuals hurt by the pandemic to receive the needed assistance. Finally, she will bring about a needed conversation between the new mega-employers (Amazon, Darigold, Reser) and workers to ensure fair wages and benefits for all.
She will accomplish her priorities by working with other council members. Collaboration and good will, not drama or “shake-ups,” are her strong suits. Please join me in supporting Nikke Torres for Pasco City Council, Position 3.
Felix Vargas, Pasco
Byrd’s ideas not safe or legal
Does Audra Byrd have any policies in her platform that she didn’t just think of while arguing with parents on social media? For example, on Oct. 7, she told Nextdoor: “I would support having live streaming in the classroom. Live streaming protects teachers and students and allows for full transparency. If police officers have body cameras, it should be considered for our classrooms as well.” Okay. Let’s consider this longer than it took her to barf it out and hit submit. (Or did she ask Siri: “What is government overreach?”)
First, it violates students right to privacy, and all associated laws. You can’t post images of students online without parental consent. Second, it creates a distraction; Richland School District isn’t privately streaming classes for kids who are isolating due to COVID-19. Third, the inordinately huge staff, bandwidth and server resources are unfunded. Most concerning, it is a security risk. It would make it clear for any potential active shooters where and when to attack.
And why does Audra Byrd want to break state and federal laws, violate constitutional rights, and make our schools deeply unsafe? Because she is a conspiracy theorist who trusts magical thinking over science and logic. Vote Danica Garcia!
Francesca Maier, Richland
Pick candidates who look ahead
“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world:” Nelson Mandela
The social experiment of the U.S. public schools began off of a simple idea of providing opportunities for an educated republic. Since the U.S. Constitution was first ratified and states entered into statehood, a value of providing educational opportunities for all became redefined as both state and our U.S. Constitution matured over time. As an educator, mother and a community volunteer, I know time can not stand still, nor do I want it to for our future has yet to be defined. We cannot grow as a nation of the “best and the brightest” when we vote for those who tether us to the past. We must demand for our educational leaders to no longer ask our students to “check their identities at the door” or to dream small.
Vote Erin Steinert for Kennewick School District Position 2, Danica Garcia for Richland School District Position 1, and Elizabeth Vann-Clark for Richland’s Position 3. They’re the most qualified school board candidates who will lead with heart and have both the educational and leadership experience to lead our communities’ students who are our future change makers of the world.
Kim Lehrman, Pasco
Hagarty assists growth at airports
Jane Hagarty gets my vote for Port of Benton C\commissioner.
As our port commissioner, Jane has been dedicated to serving you. With her fellow commissioners, Jane has played an important role in industrial and commercial recruitment to create jobs and provide an economic state of growth for increasing profits and sustainability for the region. She has been dedicated to this area by her active community involvement in a wide variety of nonprofit and public agencies. Jane is well known and respected in our area, giving credibility to her opinion to drive initiatives and form industry alliances benefiting all those who live in Benton County.
Jane believes in a diverse economy such as agribusiness, transportation, high-tech research and education to advance manufacturing, clean energy and tourism. Working as a team player, Jane has assisted in the growth of the Richland and Prosser airports.
Jane Hagarty is committed to keeping taxes low. She has an open-door policy to seek our input for efficient use of your tax dollars to effectively invest in our people, community and future.
It is without hesitation that I wholeheartedly support Jane Hagarty for Port of Benton commissioner.
Monica Hatcher, Stevens Center Management/CEO, Richland