Ballots are due Nov. 2 and Herald letter writers weigh in on these candidates
Business sense a Hagarty asset
Jane Hagarty has my vote for Port of Benton commissioner in this election.
Having served as our Port of Benton commissioner for several years, Jane has proved time and time again to be a talented and successful leader in providing future vision for economic development. Her role as a strategic planning team player has set the stage for investments to be a catalyst for regional economic growth and prosperity. The communities of Richland, Benton City, Prosser and Benton County as a whole have economically benefited from Jane Hagarty’s business sense and experienced leadership.
Working with her fellow commissioners, she has created jobs and leveraged previous federally owned land and buildings for local economic development. Jane has been instrumental in directing the Port of Benton to build incubator facilities to support small business startups. We want to continue with this successful style of leadership within the Port of Benton.
Please join me in voting for Jane Hagarty!
George F. Garlick, Richland
Steinert, Rodgers are her choices
I recently watched the televised program sponsored by the League of Women Voters. It was very informative and two candidates stood out, Scott Rodgers and Erin Steinert. They both understood the issues and responded to them in depth. In point, Mr. Rodgers had depth in the history area, and focused on changes to teaching in this curricular area. It has long been a glossed-over topic without any depth or understanding of the reality of the people involved.
Ms. Steinert focused on math and science and understands STEM, a must for future employment opportunities.
Both candidates expressed preparation for education beyond high school, whether technical or college bound. Both have teaching experience and extensive community service. Models for service beyond self.
Please vote, and give these two candidates your consideration.
Dottie Stevens, Kennewick
Hagarty deserves another port term
I am very pleased to recommend Port of Benton Commissioner Jane Hagarty for another term. Commissioner Hagarty and the entire Port of Benton staff and commissioners have been great partners to the cities of Richland and Prosser, Benton County and the entire Mid-Columbia. Over the years, her institutional knowledge has been instrumental in the number of successful endeavors that the port has entered into. All of this is the result of constant collaboration and a forward leaning approach to small business, clean energy, tourism, Hanford’s history and public and private partnerships. She is an integral member of the team that has left no stone unturned in a culture of excellence that has benefited us all. Please re-elect Jane Hagarty to continue her good work.
Phillip Lemley, Richland
Steinert his pick for school board
The Herald editorial board did not conduct due diligence and failed to endorse the most capable and qualified candidate for Kennewick School Board, Erin Steinert. While praising Steinert and acknowledging her commitment to being prepared for the job as well as being a good listener and conduit to the community, the editors claim a different balance is needed. I disagree. Erin best represents community values which guide students and their families on their educational journeys through Kennewick schools. Previously published letter writers have described Erin’s experience and personal qualities making her an outstanding candidate. Please join me in voting for Erin Steinert for Kennewick School Board.
Tom Staly, Kennewick
Richland council needs Fitzgerald
We need to have more diversity on the Richland City Council, but not unless that candidate is also a strong community supporter, educated, intelligent, committed and hard working. I’m convinced that person is Chaune’ Fitzgerald. She owns and operates a business on the Parkway. She is the founder of a nonprofit helping women and involved in several other community activities, She is a member of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, and was recipient of the 2020 Martin Luther King Spirit Award. I encourage you to learn more about her views at https://www.chaunefitzgerald.com/meet_chaune
Alan C. Rither, Richland
Vann-Clark right for Richland post
Elizabeth Vann-Clark, a former math teacher, is a candidate who is ready for the job on day one. When it comes to education, she not only talks the talk but she has and does walk the walk. She has a history of not only identifying the areas of educational shortcomings but has put in the time and effort to improve the system.
Her dedication to these students has motivated her to participate on educational committees on the local, state and national level. Her insights and leadership have been especially effective in the areas of re-evaluating the need for unfunded state-mandated testing, improving special education and promoting vocational training. She is a strong supporter of alternative learning environments.
In the Voter’s Pamphlet, Elizabeth states that she recognizes all students as individuals with their own development, rights and needs. As a strong advocate for our children, Elizabeth looks forward to finding common ground and goals with our teachers, district and community to create a positive learning environment for all our students. Please vote for Elizabeth Vann-Clark for the Richland School Board.
Amedee Marx, Richland
Trumbo his pick for council spot
John Trumbo brings integrity to the Kennewick council.
I have seen John in very stressful situations, both here and abroad. He has always demonstrated an amazing level of honesty, fiscal responsibility and integrity. I believe some of these traits are sorely needed in this current political climate. As demonstrated in his time on the council, he is not in politics for the fame, to please any one party or labor union, to add to his fortune or to satisfy personal grievances. His time on the council has actually had a toll on him due to threats, lawsuits, insults and investigations for doing what he believes is the right thing. In all cases, it would have been easier to just ignore the facts and play along.
We have seen others use their positions of authority to improve themselves monetarily or in social status, being sure that any philanthropic action is well known in the community, or an inappropriate relationship between a nonprofit leader and a client playing out in the media. Is this how we want our elected officials to behave?
John Trumbo brings a voice of reason!
Michael Richardson, Kennewick
3 questions for board candidate
Erin Steinert, as a candidate for Kennewick School Board, Position 2, your resume is very impressive. However, parents, grandparents and great-grandparents need to know what children are being taught in K-12 in addition to the long-standing fundamentals that position graduating seniors to be “college ready.” I have asked you these same three questions below via emails twice before, dating back to July, that you acknowledged you had received and would reply to ASAP. I am still waiting for answers. I thought this public forum might be an excellent way for you to respond. If you lack time or space to answer all three publicly, please answer in the order asked below. What are your views on:
1. Critical Race Theory being taught in our schools?
2. Sex education being taught at an early age in our schools?
3. The best way(s) to “instill in students a thirst for knowledge?”
Erin, thank you for answering these important questions that every parent and relative should know exactly what you believe before voting for you or any other person in a position to influence what our kids are taught.
Ray Robinson, Kennewick
Vote Wireman for Richland council
I am supporting Ginger Wireman for Richland City Council Position 4.
Ginger has supported and given her time to events and causes that affect our children and the community at large. She walks the talk!
Judy Sweeney, Richland
Boring does right by serving well
Vote to retain Marianne Boring for Richland City Council. Her campaign slogan says who she is. “Do the right thing … even when no one is watching.” I want someone of integrity representing me. If you have attended city council meetings since she was named to fill a vacant seat last year, you have seen her asking the hard questions. It is apparent that she has read the material supplied to the council by city staff.
As a retired CPA, I appreciate that she cares about how our tax money is being spent. “She brings to council more than 30 years of land use planning, project management and development, leasing and lease negotiation, as well as small business ownership experience.” (From city website) Thanks, also, to all the city staff who work every day to help make Richland a good place to live for businesses, families, or just walking along the Columbia River.
Barbara Puigh, Richland
This story was originally published October 25, 2021 at 10:45 AM.