There’s an obvious choice for Benton port commissioner. Don’t make a mistake | Opinion

Tri-City Herald
·3 min read

Vote Rasmussen for Benton port

Christy Rasmussen is the clear choice to be re-elected Port of Benton commissioner, District 2.

Christy recognizes she has a great responsibility to be a good steward of the taxpayer monies entrusted to the Port of Benton. The port has been able to reduce the taxpayers’ rate to a 20-year low, down 21% since 2018.

At the same time recognizing that the port must be able to invest in its rail, airport and facilities, she and the board are growing the port to provide its clients excellent services through those investments. The board just passed a balanced budget that includes a net surplus, and that is great news.

Christy continues to be a great volunteer as a Tri-Cities Sunrise Rotarian being involved in the community, including serving on the Tri-Tech General Advisory Council.

Mike Miller, Pasco

Ex-port attorney backing Keller

I am writing to support Scott Keller for Port of Benton commissioner. As an attorney for the Port, I worked with Scott while he was the assistant executive director and then executive director.

In economic development, Scott was imaginative and innovative in utilizing Port resources for greatest impact. Space does not permit detailed discussion, but so many Port accomplishments during his tenure were due to his initiative and openness to ideas.

Under his leadership, the port invested taxpayer dollars to maximize employment opportunities, encourage private investment and expand the tax base. With the support and encouragement of previous Commissioners Harold Lindberg, Robert Larson and Jane Hagerty, he was highly successful.

The Port did not expend taxpayers’ dollars for projects which should be done by private parties. Through cooperation with public and private entities, the Port created the environment and infrastructure to allow small businesses to grow and to attract new businesses.

Scott knows the commissioners must establish policies to encourage employment opportunities and private investment and then support the Port staff in implementing the policies. His unique expertise, initiative and understanding can be retained by electing him Port of Benton commissioner.

Thomas A. Cowan, West Richland

Lehrman right for Pasco council

As a longtime Tri-Citian but a relatively new Pasco resident, I have come to know a few elected officials as well as those who serve us through their time and work on city boards and commissions.

Kim Lehrman is one whose service on the planning commission came at a time of tremendous growth. Kim is now running to fill the open Pasco City Council at-large position. As a lifelong labor leader, I am especially proud Kim has been strongly endorsed by our area labor organizations and their members.

Kim believes in family-wage jobs for Pasco residents. Kim is also a teacher, wife and mother of four. I am proud to support her and vote for her. She is the servant leader this growing city needs. Please join me and vote for Kim Lehrman.

Diane Hand McDaniel, Pasco

Longtimers list election choices

Steve Goheen, David Harvey and Justin Raffa, longtime residents of Richland, recommend these candidates for the Nov. 7 election. Ballots will arrive mid-October. Thank you for voting.

  • Richland Council Pos. 1: Allison Ball, of north Richland, resident of Tri-Cities over 30 years, BS in Social Work.

  • Richland Council Pos. 2: Elizabeth Vann-Clark, of north/central Richland since 1989, nonprofit experience.

  • Richland Council Pos. 5: Gregery Levy, 13 years in north Richland, former chair city Code Enforcement Board, U.S. Navy.

  • Richland Council Pos. 6: Kurt Maier, of north Richland, Army veteran, former chair Richland Library Board.

  • Richland Council Pos. 7: Joshua Short, of north Richland, small business owner.

  • Port of Benton District 2: Christy Rasmussen, incumbent, of north Richland, lifelong community member.

  • Richland School, No. 3: Chelsie Beck, chemist with 2 young children in Richland schools.

  • Richland School, No. 4: Katrina Waters, biochemist, 3 children who graduated from Richland.

  • Richland School, No. 5: Jill Oldson, incumbent, children graduated Richland schools.