Elect John Smart to West Richland City Council Position 1
Experienced, Conservative Voice for West Richland
Elect John Smart to West Richland City Council Position 1
Experienced, Conservative Voice for West Richland
JOHN SMART FOR WEST RICHLAND CITY COUNCIL -
Elected Experience:
John will complete his 10th year as a member of the West Richland City Council in December 2025. John serves on the West Richland Community Development subcommittee and the Utilities subcommittee. John is a member of the Hanford Advisory Board - currently serving as an alternate representative for West Richland. John also participates in the monthly meetings of the Benton Franklin and Walla Walla Counties Good Roads and Transportation Association.
Education and Professional Experience:
1982 Graduate from Columbia (Richland) High School.
1988: WSU Bachelor Degree. Studies in Engineering, Science, Management and Economics.
1989 - Present: Senior Research Engineer with over 27 years of project management experience.
Service:
John has served over 18 years with local American Heritage Girls Troops in various roles including Activity Director, Unit Leader and Troop Coordinator. John has been a participant in the Veterans Day Parade; past helper with the Walk for Life; a volunteer at 2nd Harvest, and earned his Eagle Scout Award in 1980. John has served as a mentor to over 100 student interns who are studying engineering and science.
Candidate Statement:
Thank you for electing me to serve on the West Richland City Council. I am committed to continue representing conservative fiscal policy that protects our taxpayers now and into the future. I will promote open communication, full disclosure of reasoning, and will encourage the council to listen carefully to the opinions and expressions of our residents. I am not a closet socialist – but rather a defender of our constitution and our God given rights. Business growth in West Richland is critical – but we need to preserve the unique rural character and our “low density” environment for which we are known. When asked what I want our town to look like – I say I want it to look like Freedom! Having built and lived in a West Richland home for 30 years, my wife, three children, and I truly appreciate the peaceful quality of life that our city offers. Fiscal responsibility, well planned growth, sensible ordinances, and the preservation of our residential / rural lifestyle will help West Richland prosper and remain this region’s most preferred place to call home.
QUESTIONS FROM THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
How do you plan on interacting with the citizens of your city?
Every council member has a published city e-mail address (jsmart@westrichland.org) that can be used to directly contact. Alternatively, an e-mail can be sent to the city or city clerk with a request to forward to one or all council members. There are also two scheduled times on every city council meeting agenda where citizens can directly address council. Council meetings are held at City Hall at 6pm on every 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings. There are times when council is advised to not directly address questions from the public to avoid liability on issues that may involve potential contracts or legal actions. In these cases, council is asked by the city administration to refer citizens to our clerk, mayor, or attorney. But in general, if a response is requested, council members can write back to a citizen or answer their questions publicly at the next council meeting.
What should your city/town’s role be in dealing with environmental issues?
West Richland is a good steward of our environment. We have sponsored hazardous waste collection days, we participate in the Growth Management Act planning process, and have won several awards for our sewer processing system. I will continue to support funding that maintains the pristine environment that West Richland residents enjoy. I will watch for any industries that may intend to pollute our ground, water, or air. Our rural and peaceful suburban environment is also a characteristic that I want to protect through careful planning that does not force the “15-minute city” style of development. I would prefer to see West Richland duplicate the experience residents currently enjoy; while also encouraging commercial centers for future retail and light industrial development. I support the inclusion of “green space” (even if it is just natural desert with a trail) in between developments. Our kids should be allowed to experience the natural environment near their own home.
What is your record of public service?
I have served as a council member in West Richland for ~10years. Prior to that I attended council meetings regularly, and informally represented our section 6 neighborhood. My wife and I have led a local American Heritage Girls Christian character building scouting troop for over 20 years. Through that troop we have volunteered for several community organizations including the March of Dimes, 2nd Harvest, Bikes for Tikes, and the Veterans Day Parade.
How do you think your city/town should respond to homelessness?
Homelessness is largely due to drug use, spiritual illness, and associated unemployment or underemployment. It is important to maintain policies that forbid panhandling and encampments. Our City can help by maintaining a business-friendly environment that minimizes impediments to business so that jobs stay abundant at every level. City governments are incorporated to serve the basic municipal needs of its citizens. Water, Sewer, Roads, Electricity, Waste Disposal, and Law Enforcement are the reasons that citizens allow taxes to be collected. The City should ensure that private and non-profit efforts to provide charity and assistance to those in need are uninhibited by restrictive ordinances or regulations. I support a wide range of home development options from townhouses to mini-farms and everything in between. Only ~7 acres of continuous high density apartment complexes should be developed in one area. Acres of lower density lots must buffer between them. No future ghettos-
How would you describe your vision for your city?
I want West Richland to look like “Freedom!” Property owners and businesses should be free to develop their interests as they see fit – as long as they do not infringe on their neighbor’s right to enjoy their property. The hidden expense of an over- regulated approach to community development creates a wide-spread and perpetual economic cost. I do not favor the “15 minute City” “Form Based Code” design approach that is currently being pushed. A city of 18,000 people must concentrate on: Water, Sewer, Roads, Electricity, Waste Disposal, and Law Enforcement. I support current parks and new neighborhood parks that are sponsored by corporate trusts, private trust funds, or neighborhood organizations.
We welcome small and large business while maintaining the rural and quiet suburban living that our residents cherish. My vision supports Equine Environments, backyard chickens, and a city where children can play on sidewalks and ride their bicycles around neighborhoods without fear of crime.
Questions from the tri-city Herald
What is your stance on local firework ordinances?
I support the celebration of our country’s independence with fireworks, and it is my opinion that we have sufficient restrictions in our current ordinances that follow State of Washington Guidelines. However citizens must be responsible and respectful to their neighbors. I will work to add fireworks debris to our nuisance litter law (8.16.030.b); and to include fireworks recklessly discharged to ordinance 9.36.030. I support holding people responsible for any damage they cause to public or private property, including fires. I have proposed that council discuss the option to allow the use of certain parks or school yards for use by groups that wish to organize an Independence Day fireworks celebration open to all residents. If properly designed, such an event would have a positive economic impact while providing citizens with an option better than small neighborhood displays.
Lewis and Clark Ranch will double the size of the city over the next century....
Lewis and Clark Ranch will double the size of the city over the next century. As a member of the council, what are your priorities for this massive development?
The preservation of rural and high-quality residential neighborhood characteristics are important to West Richland residents. I support growth of both residential and commercial development. I do not support form based building code or the push for soviet-style “15-minute Cities.” We have 20 square miles in West Richland; and residents move here to experience the quiet and family friendly neighborhood atmosphere, It is important that we plan for neighborhoods that do not force residents to drive through the traffic of a commercial center on their daily commute.
What approaches would you favor to grow the city's revenue to keep up with the fast-growing pop.
What approaches would you favor to grow the city's revenue to keep up with the fast-growing population?
There are two sides to the budget equation: Revenue and Spending. The city can enhance revenue by reducing city imposed regulations to entice both commercial and residential growth. We can also reduce spending on elements that deviate from the core responsibilities of city government. With a population of around 18,000 living under about 5,000 rooftops, my focus is to maintain on high quality municipal services that touch residents lives every day. As we continue to attract new residents, business opportunities will expand. I am confident that West Richland will persevere through this fiscally difficult stage of growth and will celebrate a bright future as we approach and surpass 25,000 residents. In the meantime, we must resist those who would saddle us with more debt and spending.
West Richland has seen some turmoil in its police department, how would you approach rebuilding...
West Richland has seen some turmoil in its police department, how would you approach rebuilding trust with officers and the public?
In our strong mayor form of government, leading with integrity starts with the mayor, chief, and follows through the command. Open and honest communication is critical. Officers should be encouraged to voice their concerns early and as often as needed – without fear of reprisals. Leadership should provide a timely response vetted by a consensus of officers, command, and a citizen’s advisory committee when requested. If a satisfactory resolution is not found within 1-2 weeks, council should be briefed, and appropriate actions implemented. Under no circumstances should an issue or concern be allowed to devolve into a caustic or divisive distraction to the critical service provided by our law enforcement personnel. Personal vendettas, unreasonable demands, misbehavior from any direction, or even requests for support – no matter how small or large - should be promptly addressed when first revealed. Council should be privy to all written concerns brought by any department.
City councils are non-partisan, but we often see endorsements. Would you accept an endorsement..
City councils are non-partisan, but we often see endorsements. Would you accept an endorsement from a political party? Why or why not?
I would welcome endorsements from groups or organizations that are not publically funded and whose values and principles do not conflict with mine. Elected leaders must remain above reproach when they make decisions to fund taxpayer supported professions. Accepting endorsements from those employed or otherwise supported by city tax dollars can cause citizens to question whether an elected official is acting through unbiased analysis or if the benefiting group somehow gained leverage through its endorsement of the candidate.
West Richland has a very active animal control officer, but as the city grows, so too will...
West Richland has a very active animal control officer, but as the city grows, so too will the stray population. How would you approach this need?
An Analysis Of Alternatives (AOA) is appropriate for this hypothetical problem. Our job is to be frugal with tax dollars – therefore several options beyond simply hiring another officer may be considered: 1) consider employing a private contractor to handle duties that are not outward facing to the public; 2) cross train other city staff to assist where appropriate; 3) enlist the help of volunteers; 4) review ordinances and procedures to see if efficiencies can be gained. I would welcome other creative solutions and would look forward to discussing this with the council at a public workshop. Deferred maintenance on a growing list of roads, parks, and municipal infrastructure adds to our financial obligations daily; so the city must prioritize core services and find creative – lower cost - solutions whenever possible..