Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
More than 50 residents attend forum
TEKOA – More than 50 residents turned out to the Empire Theater on Sunday, Oct. 15, to hear from candidates vying for city offices in the Nov. 7 general election.
Ten political hopefuls participated, explaining their positions on roads and sidewalks, employee wages, downtown improvements, law enforcement, tourism and more.
The participants include seven candidates in four contested races – mayoral candidates incumbent Roy Schulz and Shelly Ausmus, and City Council Position No. 3 candidates Brad Chandler and incumbent Pete Martin, and Position No. 7 newcomers Lydia Fletcher and Cheri Currier, and Council Position No. 1 candidate Todd Jensen.
Jensen’s opponent, Mandi Prince, did not participate.
In addition, council candidates Mike Hale, David Tysz and Margie Jaeger participated, even though they are not being challenged.
After opening statements, candidates tackled a variety of hard and soft questions.
Downtown improvement was a big topic, with candidates agreeing the city needs to attract business. They also noted it’s not that easy when some buildings are vacant or in disrepair, and others storefronts have residents living in them.
Schulz said it’s not his place to tell people they cannot live in buildings they own on downtown Crosby Street, while also acknowledging the need for more business.
Martin said he believes the future of downtown rests with development of tourism, pointing out the impact the annual John Wayne Riders and Pioneer Wagons annual trail ride, which brings dozens of people to town.
Martin has been instrumental in development of the John Wayne Trail and saving the railroad trestle at Tekoa.
When the issue of city staffing was raised, Ausmus challenged Schulz on his management and hiring of employees. She called for more transparency and input in hiring.
For his part, Schulz pointed out that in a mayor-council form of government, hiring and firing is specifically a mayoral duty.
All of the participating candidates noted the difficulty in setting wages and hiring staff in the current economic climate.
Candidates also took time to address the city’s burn pile, which is often a point of contention among residents.
Participants acknowledged the arguments for and against the burn pile – it does help keep the city clean and reduce fire risk, while at the same time can be unsightly at times and potentially be a health risk.
Tysz said the burn pile is a source of pride for him, as he oversees burning.
He encouraged residents to ask themselves what the city would look like if it wasn’t available. He also said eliminating the burn pile would likely lead to residents burning leaves and yard debris city wide, rather than concentrating burning in a single location.
Most candidates agree the burn pile is the best solution currently available, given the cost of other options.
Wastewater costs
Those attending the forum also wanted candidates to talk about the possible pending wastewater charge increase.
At least one attendee, said city wastewater treatment upgrades would mean a city bill in excess of $300 per month.
The candidates noted the cost was high.
But Fletcher pointed out the high costs that residents will face are likely due to the delay in improving the plant in previous years.
Still, she said the city needs to do its part to try to keep costs down.
Other candidates, too, voiced concern over future rates.
Candidates briefly addressed the issue of rising crime in the area – specifically drug-related crimes.
When asked if the city should have its own police department, all of the candidates said that would be cost-prohibitive for the city.
The city currently contracts with the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office for patrol hours.
City Council candidates agreed the city could look at negotiating more patrol hours, if residents see a need.
Schulz also suggested the issue be put on a ballot, allowing voters to decide if they want to pay an increased law and justice tax to cover additional law enforcement costs.
Candidates were also asked about balancing employee hours with the requirement to provide public records to requestors.
The city has been sued previously for failing to provide requested records in the statutory timeframe.
No candidate offered a local solution to the issue, such as making most city records available online.
Instead, candidates who chose to address the topic said the issue is mostly about frivolous requests that should be addressed by the Legislature.
After two hours, the candidates offered closing remarks, as did moderator Whitman County Gazette Owner/Publisher Roger Harnack.
According to Harnack, the forum would not have been possible if it weren’t for the efforts of resident Kyle Dombroski, who organized the event, and the Empire Theater and its volunteers.
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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