Franklin County has a new commissioner. What set the board’s newest member apart

The Franklin County Commissioners welcomed their newest member this week, and he’s a familiar face.

After interviewing three candidates during the board’s regular meeting on Thursday, commissioners Rocky Mullen and Clint Didier selected Franklin County Republican Party Chairman Stephen Bauman to join the board.

He is replacing longtime commissioner Brad Peck, whose resignation was official this week.

Peck left his Position 1 seat after 15 years, citing a toxic environment and workplace bullying after constant clashing with Mullen and Didier in recent years.

The other candidates were Pasco’s new Mayor Pro Tem David Milne and former county Coroner Dan Blasdel.

Bauman will serve out the remainder of Peck’s term, which is up for election this year. If Bauman wants to remain on the board past November, he will have to file for election in May for the August primary to be win a spot in the November general election.

“I am very thankful for the three candidates who have put their names forward, and I really appreciate them being willing to serve this county,” Didier said. “We’ve got three outstanding candidates, and it’s ... a tough decision.”

Mullen, the expected new chairman of the board, said he also appreciated the candidates’ commitment to their community.

“I’d just like to say thank you, we had three very qualified candidates, and it’s encouraging to have three leaders in the community willing to step forward and serve,” Mullen said. “My choice is based on the shown leadership and community involvement for this individual and the fact I’ve witnessed him coming to the meetings for the past eight years.”

Didier reiterated the sentiment and said that he believes Bauman is best situated to help ensure a smooth transition.

“He’s been in every meeting we’ve had, he knows what’s going on with the county right now, so I don’t think we’ll miss a step in bringing him up to date,” Didier said.

During the interview Bauman said that he has spent most of his life in Franklin County and wants to continue serving the community he calls home.

Bauman said his priorities will include pushing for a county comprehensive plan, an emphasis on road and bridge work and helping steer the county’s new vision for the HAPO Center.

“I’m an intentional good neighbor, not a passive good neighbor. I want my neighbors to be successful,” Bauman said. “I believe that we’re better together. We’re better working collaboratively as a team to make something happen.”

The Position 1 seat is the most urban seat on the board, representing directly more of the city of Pasco than the other positions. Bauman said that his experience as a developer and working with the city uniquely situates him to serve those constituents.

Afterward Bauman thanked the commissioners and promised to continue putting his all into serving the county.

“You both have known me for many years and know that I put my whole heart into anything I do, and will continue to do that,” Bauman said.

Developer and consultant

Bauman announced his intention to throw his hat in for the seat in early December.

He previously ran for the seat as a write-in candidate in 2020. Peck won a narrow victory over Bauman and Democrat challenger Kim Lehrman, but Bauman received about 17% of the vote with write-ins.

He is a developer and the owner of B4 Developing and Consulting. He was elected to the GOP county chairman in January 2023, taking the reins from Didier.

Under Bauman’s leadership, the county party recently swept every Pasco City Council and school board race where they had endorsed candidates. They were able to successfully defeat a number of appointed incumbents and shift the balance on the boards.