West Richland City Council Pos 3
David Cole
Elected Experience
Precinct Committee Officer
Other Professional Experience
U.S Navy veteran; Deputy Sheriff (Houston, TX); Hanford employee (planning) 25 years
Education
Criminal Justice - Texas A&M Univ.;Criminal Justice - Lamar University
Community Service
Commissioner – City of West Richland Salary Commission; Vice Chair – West Richland Citizens Group; Board President – You Medical; Board President – Tri Cities Residential Services; Veteran Mentor – Benton County Veterans Therapeutic Court; Constitution Coach – Patriot Academy
Statement
Our city’s vision statement says we are “a growing city where family values and community responsiveness are important. The city should grow in a balanced way to produce a safe and inviting community having good residential and recreational alternatives and a healthy economic base.” I support that vision. I co-led citizen efforts to keep pot shops out of our city. I support family-friendly policies that strengthen our neighborhoods. I will promote increased transparency in city government and encourage greater citizen involvement in policy, planning and budget decisions. My community service experience has taught me accountability to those I serve. I do not favor over-densification but support economic growth that maintains current service levels and satisfies increased demands. I will promote a business-friendly climate that enables local businesses to thrive. I welcome the placement of the State Veterans Cemetery in West Richland. As a former sworn law enforcement officer, I support the police officers who protect and serve us. I oppose any efforts to defund or minimize their mission. I have been endorsed by the Benton County Republican party. I am the conservative choice for West Richland City Council.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
Endorsements and Opposition
Endorsements and Opposition
Donors
Donors
💰 $6,150 from 19+ donors ($6,150 cash / $0 in-kind): including Small Contributions ($1,000)Mudd Randy ($500)Ojeda Luis ($500)Mudd Peggy ($500)WA Realtors PAC ($500)Jackson George ($500)Cole Stuart ($500)Richey Daniel ($400)
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?
David Cole
1. Overcoming hundreds of millions of dollars in pending lawsuits against the city 2. Maintaining existing service levels while expanding infrastructure to support continued growth 3. Promoting a healthy and profitable business environment
Robert Harvey Perkes
1. Managing Growth - Think long term with our zoning and planning. What do we want our city to look like in 20/50 years. Sometimes short term gains bring long term pains. 2. Quality of Life - We need parks and greenery with recreation opportunities. We have over 300 days of sunshine. We need to maximize them. 3. Community Camaraderie - We need to maintain support and increase local events. A strong sense of community is vital to a great city.
Pick one piece of city-owned property and express your vision for it.
David Cole
Continued development of the Belmont Business District
Robert Harvey Perkes
The city has been growing and expanding over the last decade. We have updated and improved most buildings or properties. My vision is broad and inclusive. We need to add pickleball, splashpads and calisthenic gyms to our parks. We need places for mom groups, senior clubs and friends to get together in our community.
If money was no object and you could wave a magic wand, what single thing would you do to improve our city?
David Cole
Repeal the Growth Management Act and the Climate Commitment Act
Robert Harvey Perkes
A large community center with additional flex space for groups/classes and a stage or amphitheatre.
| 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. |