Pasco City Council District 6
Calixto Hernández
Throughout my career, I have chosen to serve in positions where I can advocate for the most vulnerable in our community because I believe the government should be responsive to all residents. In those roles, I helped marginalized and at-risk populations navigate legal, employment, and health care needs. I want to take that experience and my expertise to the City Council to help our community navigate the challenges and opportunities we have ahead. We cannot let our community be left behind. I will be a leader who will listen to the questions, issues and worries brought forward by all co nnstituents, business owners and community stakeholders and collaborate with our city staff, Council and community members to achieve solutions. As a Councilmember, I will support policies that address responsible economic development, downtown revitalization, homelessness, public safety, and effective city planning and smart growth. I have lived in downtown Pasco for 20 years and am proud to call this community home. I am running for the District 6 seat on the Pasco City Council because I will fight for the voiceless and believe that every community member deserves a city that works for them. I humbly ask for your vote. Thank you.
Melissa Blasdel
As a lifelong Pasco resident, I’m proud to serve the community that I was raised in. I’ve seen firsthand the opportunities and challenges that come with growth, and I’m committed to helping Pasco move forward in a way that honors our values and supports our future. Our city is thriving—diverse, growing, and full of potential. But growth brings challenges, and we need thoughtful solutions to ensure Pasco remains a safe and welcoming place for all. Public safety is personal to me. I will continue working closely with Pasco Police and Fire to make sure they have the tools and training they need to keep our neighborhoods safe from crime and the dangers of fentanyl. Revitalizing downtown and growing our economy isn’t just about new development—it’s about creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and strengthening our tax base so we can fund essential services without overburdening homeowners.Economic development must reflect our community’s values. I’m running to help Pasco grow in a way that’s thoughtful, safe, and focused on the people who live here.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
Endorsements and Opposition
No letters of support or opposition listed yet.
Endorsements and Opposition
Donors
Donors
💰 $13,984 from 33+ donors ($12,955 cash / $1,029 in-kind): including Small Contributions ($2,607)Washington Teamsters Legislative League ($1,200)Performance Tire Inc ($1,200)McVeety Sam ($1,200)Western States Regional Council of Carpenters ($1,100)Bontje Norm ($600)Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 598 PAC ($598)Washington State Democratic Central Committee ($500)
Donors
Mini-filer: detailed reports N/A.
2025 City Council Questionnaire
Rank the city's top 3 most pressing challenges. How would you address them?
Calixto Hernández
1. City budget and finances 2. City growth, planning and infrastructure 3. Homelessness
Melissa Blasdel
1 public safety 2 Budget Deficit 3 increase Revenue
Pick one piece of city-owned property and express your vision for it.
Calixto Hernández
The landscaping on the south side of the Lewis Street Overpass needs to be redone. It is essential weeds and the City is paying to have it mowed and irrigated. The two blocks on Lewis St between 2nd Ave and Tacoma St were redesigned to offer green spaces that would be appealing to the public and encourage individuals to congregate and patronize the local businesses in that area. This hasn’t happened to date and I would like to see a redesign of the landscaping to make the Overpass more aesthetically appealing.
Melissa Blasdel
Osprey Point Continue to develop shoreline and increase revenue with entertainment, hotel and shopping.
If money was no object and you could wave a magic wand, what single thing would you do to improve our city?
Calixto Hernández
I would invest in downtown Pasco revitalization. Specifically, in facade improvement, mural design to add to the already growing number of art visible on our downtown buildings, implementation of the Downtown Master Plan and investing in a completely rebuilt and reformed Downtown Pasco Development Authority that could be a true partner for our downtown small businesses and support the Specialty Kitchen.
Melissa Blasdel
Improve infrastructure, entice new developers to build stronger economic development
| Statement A | Strong A | Lean A | Lean B | Strong B | Statement B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
When making an important decision, I tend to trust in my own lived experiences, judgment, and beliefs. | When making an important decision, I tend to seek out opinions and perspectives different from my own. | ||||
In addition to increasing affordable housing options, we should address homelessness by prioritizing the enforcement of camping bans in public spaces. | In addition to increasing affordable housing options, we should address homelessness by prioritizing the development of low-barrier shelters. | ||||
We have adequate public transportation options; time and money are better spent elsewhere. | Our region should invest in / improve public transportation options. | ||||
We should take a multimodal view of transportation, finding examples from other small cities that have developed safe and thriving bike and pedestrian flow. | Traffic flow should be the top priority of transportation infrastructure investment. | ||||
We should address behavioral health needs by focusing on inpatient services for people experiencing addiction and other crises. | We should address behavioral health needs by focusing on education, harm reduction, and reducing stigma. | ||||
When it comes to energy initiatives, one effective strategy might be to support advanced nuclear technology (small modular reactors). | When it comes to energy initiatives, one effective strategy might be to support renewable energy options (like solar and hydro). | ||||
To better develop small businesses in our city, we should adjust regulations, including zoning, permits, and licensing fees. | To better develop small businesses in our city, we should invest in downtown revitalization and other infrastructure projects that create thriving areas for small business development. | ||||
The city is doing a good job of being transparent. | The city should do a much better job of being transparent. | ||||
The Columbia River shore should be returned to local control. | The Columbia River shore should remain under control of the Army Corps of Engineers. |