Benton’s safety tax isn’t about continuing a tax. It’s about relinquishing rights | Opinion

New sales tax has no sunset clause

Don’t be misled by the wording of Proposition 1 in your Benton County Voters’ Pamphlet. It’s really not about the continuation of the Benton County Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST). If Proposition 1 isn’t approved this November, the PSST and all the programs it funds will continue through the end of 2024. Our real opportunity to vote on continuation will come up next November.

The true essence of Proposition 1 is your right to vote on things that affect you directly. The original proposition we voted on in 2014 had a 10-year lifespan, guaranteeing the voters of 2024 their right to approve or disapprove continuation of this tax. With Proposition 1 this year, the county commissioners have eliminated the sunset clause, so approval will make the PSST a permanent tax and result in relinquishing your right to vote on it in the future.

For almost 250 years, countless individuals have fought and died for our rights and freedoms. Please don’t dishonor their sacrifices by just surrendering your right to vote to any politician who asks for it.

Vote “No” on Proposition 1.

Tim Taylor, Richland

Maier is best for Richland council

Kurt Maier, candidate for Richland City Council Position 6, is an experienced leader who listens. Kurt has an eye to the future to ensure Richland remains a people and business friendly community. Kurt is unencumbered by promises to political parties. Kurt has a strong record of service to his country, his family, and his community.

Kurt has been listening. He has heard our city code is outdated and cumbersome. He has heard red tape hinders small business development. He has heard there is a growing need for access to housing. Kurt is ready to step up and address these issues as well as the many other issues the Richland community will face in the future, all the while with an ear to his constituents and his community.

It’s time to get our city government updated. It’s time to look to a bright future for Richland. We need Kurt Maier to help do this important work. We need leadership that listens. Please vote for Kurt Maier for Richland City Council Position 6.

Karen A. and Kenneth A. Buxton, Richland

Elect Rasmussen to Port of Benton

Under Christy Rassmussen’s leadership as the president of the Port of Benton Commission, the Port has enjoyed major success, including a focus on advanced nuclear and manufacturing that is expanding the Tri-Cities energy legacy. Of course, she was appointed to the commission in 2021 exactly because of her highly skilled and professional background in both energy and education.

Rasmussen knows that understanding the economic development needs of the region, being innovative and supporting our local small businesses is just plain good business. The Port’s leadership of Washington VERTical and its collaboration with federal, state, local government and academia, along with industry that ranges from large to start-up, women-owned to tribal, will serve our entire region in the critical years to come.

Ensure our clean energy future. Ensure prosperity. Elect Christy Rasmussen Port of Benton Commissioner District 2

Jim Conca, Richland

Vote for Madsen, Van Dyke for city

In the races for Richland City Council, I look forward to marking my ballot for Shayne Van Dyke, Council Position 5, and for Kent Madsen, Council Position 6. I have known both of these men for a number of years. They have my confidence that they will do what’s right for Richland.

Shayne Van Dyke has enthusiasm for city government that will continue to make a positive difference on the council. He is anxious to work with the city management and state agencies to make Richland grow in the right direction. Shayne is a master listener and excels at looking at all sides of an issue before making a decision.

Kent Madsen has called Richland home since he was a boy and has watched it grow into the thriving city that exists today. I believe this type of vision will be an important element for the issues that come before the council. From his years of service on the City Planning Commission, he understands the workings of city government. Kent is approachable and thoughtful and will make an excellent addition to the council.

Join me in electing Shayne VanDyke and Kent Madsen to the Richland City Council.

Robert Orton, Richland

This story was originally published October 24, 2023 at 12:00 AM.