OTHELLO — Othello City Council questioned a panel of hopeful council appointees to determine who would be the best fit for the seat vacated by John Reneau.

Council questioned three candidates; E.R. Kelley, Eleanor Brodahl and Robert Guerrero. A statement written by candidate Charles Garcia was read in his absence after the questioning.

Mayor Tim Wilson asked the candidates to tell the council about themselves and how they would be an asset to the council.

Kelley explained he served the council as mayor for four years. He said he always enjoyed serving the city and learned a lot during his service. He wants to make Othello a better place to live.

Brodahl said her father taught her the value of community service and she hopes to serve the council again. She served the council for 15 years in the past. She said she served just about every committee available while on the council.

Guerrero said he moved to Othello in 1975 to be closer to his family. He raised his family in Othello and has been a part of several committees and organizations. He was a reserve deputy with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for 23 years and is a section manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Wilson told the candidates he appreciated all of their volunteer work in the community and asked them why they want to be on the council.

Brodahl explained during the last election she was on council but ran for mayor and lost. Despite the loss, she said her time serving the city is not over. She said she has a passion for politics and the city.

“I’ve never given up on this community,” Brodahl said.

Guerrero said he has time to serve the community and wants to stay active. He said he wants to better understand how city government works and how he can use his skills to help.

Kelley said he wants to serve community. He’s lived in Othello since 1973 and raised his family in the city. He explained through the different jobs and experiences, he learned to listen and analyze information to make a good decision. He said he also studied constitutional law while in college.

“I love Othello,” he said.

Wilson asked the candidates to describe three issues facing the city and how they can resolve them,

Guerrero said the budget, infrastructure and growth are important issues affecting the city.

He explained the city’s budget is in good condition and he wants to continue the work to keep it that way.

Guerrero explained infrastructure and growth are related. He said potential businesses are interested in infrastructure and strong infrastructure will attract more business. He said a strong tax base created through industry is needed to help with growth and positive youth activities must be a focus because they are the future city leaders.

Kelley said three issues are growth, law enforcement and water access.

He said the Columbia Basin is a well kept secret and eventually people will move to the area along with new businesses so it is important for the city to maintain their infrastructure to manage growth.

He explained law enforcement needs to be supported by giving them the tools and training to maintain the community’s safety.

Kelley said water is a vital resource for Othello now and for future expansion. He said it’s important to determine the most efficient use of the water.

Brodahl said she is concerned with Main Street, the condition of the lagoon system and getting an understanding of the water supply.

She explained all the issues are related to infrastructure and she wants to asses the amount of funding related to the issues and to determine how much water is available.

The question portion concluded and Wilson read a statement on behalf of Garcia because he was unable to attend the meeting.

From 1991 to 1996, Garcia worked at his family’s trucking business in town and eventually bought it, read Wilson. Afterward he raised a family in Othello.

He serves the Othello school board and believes his experience will benefit the council. He explained the access to the outdoors and recreation activities available in the city should be promoted more to benefit the city.

Garcia stated his lifelong goal has been to help Othello in any way he can and wants to do so as a team with the council.

Three issues important to the city are related to growth, revenue and water, he noted.

He explained it’s important to continue efforts to help establish affordable housing, encourage businesses to locate to Othello and he wants to begin learning about water issues facing the city.

Wilson said all the candidates were fine examples of the community and council would select one person to appoint to the position at the March 8 meeting.

Candidate Larry McCourtie withdrew his application Monday morning.

Originally published March 3, 2010