Q&A: Othello City Council Candidates

OTHELLO — Darryl Barnes is running against Eugene Bain for Othello City Council Position 4.

The Columbia Basin Herald asked each candidate the questions below with matching word count restrictions and a deadline to submit responses. The newspaper encourages voters to contact the candidates if they want to discuss issues in more depth.

Responses are in alphabetical order according to the candidates’ last names.

Election Day is Nov. 7; ballots will be mailed to voters around Oct. 18. Early voting opens Oct. 20.

What prompted you to run for city council?

Bain: I am running for the Othello City Council Position #4 for several reasons, mainly to give back to my community that I have been a citizen of for more than 30 years. I also want be a part of helping to develop our growing city as well as maintaining the greatness that Othello already is.

Barnes: I have lived in Othello for about 10 years and have seen its exponential growth. With that, I have told many that the town is positioned perfectly between Moses Lake and the Tri-Cities area. My career in public safety, along with being a property owner, has led me to be more in tune with governmental operations. I have a great interest in local government and how it interacts with the citizenry to foster growth. I would like the opportunity to make Othello a destination for both people and businesses alike.

What are the biggest challenges you believe the city faces?

Bain: In my opinion one of the biggest challenges has been the rapid growth in the city which contributes to a higher volume of traffic, crime, homelessness and gang activity.

Barnes: Othello has seen an increase in residential property building over the last years with areas in both the northeast and southeast ends of town being developed. I am concerned with the public water/sewer system being able to handle both current and future developments.

The second challenge I see is the lack of diversity in business types in Othello. I would like to see another big box vendor set an anchor in Othello and assist with its growth.

The third issue I see is how we are preparing our youth for both post-secondary education and trade school. I do believe local government has a vested interest in assisting on both fronts to ensure a diverse future workforce.

What are the primary goals you hope to achieve if elected?

Bain: The goal I hope to achieve if elected is to represent well the concerns and needs of the citizens of Othello. I want to work closely with the fellow council members, the Mayor, law enforcement, the fire department and EMS to better the neighborhoods of our city

Barnes:

• Improve accountability to the citizens of tax dollars spent by all city departments.

• Grow the business sector located in the southwest end of town (south of Highway 26).

How can the public contact you?

Bain: The public can contact me by sending me an email to ewbain2023@outlook.com.

Barnes: I am available via email at DBarnes443@hotmail.com or one can leave a message at (971) 258-1106.