Othello mayor candidates share goals

OTHELLO — Othello mayoral candidates Ken Johnson and Tim Wilson spoke at a political forum in Othello.

Johnson is a current city councilmember and Wilson is a councilmember and the current mayor pro-tem.

Facilitator Ehman Sheldon allowed each candidate two minutes to introduce themselves to the audience.

Johnson said he grew up in Othello and raised his family in the city. He recalled a regular argument he had with his kids was why they should stay in Othello.

“It’s what you put back in the community,” he explained.

Johnson added, he believes he is winning the argument because two of his kids stayed to live in Othello and another one is on his way back to live in Othello.

He’s run a family business in Othello since 1986.

Johnson said because he’s lived in Othello, he has a good idea of what the community needs to grow.

Wilson said he is originally from Mead and is currently a parts manager at Evergreen Implement.

He said his campaign platform includes supporting the police department to prevent gangs from locating in the city. He wants to continue working to bring a natural gas line to the city, so businesses are enticed to locate in Othello. Wilson said he wants to fund infrastructure improvements for the industrial area.

After each candidate gave their introductions, Sheldon asked them questions written by audience members.

He asked what they could do to diversify and strengthen the greater Othello economy.

“As mayor, I could take that lead role and help push progress in a way that we need to,” Johnson said.

He explained the mayor is a facilitator of the council.

He said it’s important to review all economic development opportunities.

Wilson said bringing a natural gas line to the city to encourage businesses to locate in the area is important for economic development.

“We need to have a real strong role in that,” he said.

He said more businesses create more jobs.

Wilson said he would recommend to the city council to hire an employee who will focus on tourism and promoting the city.

“We have a lot of great stuff,” he said about parks and city facilities.

He said he would visit with Othello businesses to see what they think could be done to strengthen the economy.

Wilson said he will continue supporting the Adams County Development Council.

Sheldon asked the candidates to explain their definition of the role of government.

At the national level, protection is a priority, Wilson said.

At the local level, government must be accountable to citizens, he said. Power should come from local government up because they know what is best for their own communities.

Wilson said it’s the responsibly of government to provide services including police, fire protection and infrastructure.

Johnson said it’s important to provide certain services and spend money appropriately because it is entrusted to them by citizens.

Requirements of government include police, fire protection and infrastructure, Johnson said.

Sheldon asked how they plan to use the office to promote growth in Othello.

“Main Street is a big thing we need to address,” Wilson said.

He explained the roadway is a primary throughway in the city and should have a maintained street complete with trees, lighting and underground power lines.

Wilson explained people will see Othello is a nice place to live.

Johnson said he wants to see more “shovel-ready” projects to attract developers. He said developers make investments in the city concerning roads and infrastructure.

Sheldon asked the candidates what they would cut out of the budget if revenues continue to fall.

Johnson said Othello’s revenues are not dropping, they are increasing in the city.

“If it did go down, I’d hate to see anything cut,” he said.

Wilson said he doesn’t want anything to be cut, but if something had to be cut he would begin with city employees. He said he would ask employees if they would be willing to work fewer hours per week.

He said most services the city pays for are contracted so it’s possible to have more competition for cheaper bids.

He said the street budget could face cuts. Rather than repaving, the city could focus on patch work.

Wilson explained before taking action, he would meet with community leaders to brainstorm ideas to prevent cuts.

He agreed with Johnson that the city does not have falling revenues.

Sheldon asked what type of economic growth they hope to see in Othello.

Wilson said he is interested in seeing diversified industry, aside from agriculture, locate to Othello.

He said he favors controlled growth.

“We are a rural community and I want to see it stay that way as long as we can,” Wilson said.

He said it’s important for the city to obtain the businesses they want and to make sure police and fire control are stable enough to handle the growth.

Johnson said he wants to help developers build on properties by helping them through the permitting and building process. He said it creates a larger tax base.

He said it’s important to diversity industry and manage growth well.

The candidates were each given two minutes for a closing statement.

“I am proud of Othello,” Wilson said. “I’ve been on the council for eight years.”

He said he is impressed Othello has updated schools, hospital, city hall, parks and a pool considering they are a small community.

“How does a community of that size do it?” he asked.

Wilson explained it’s because the community works together and he wants to continue their progress.

Johnson said his love for the community makes him want to run for the position.

“It’s a wonderful community,” he said. “It’s been a joy living here and I see a lot of great times still ahead.”

The general election is Nov. 3.