Richard Bloom

1) Should West Richland adopt a “City Manager” form of government, or retain the “Strong Mayor” form of government that we currently have? Please explain your rationale.

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Both “Strong Mayor” and “City Manager” forms of government have potential issues but I believe the “Strong Mayor” form is the better form of government. Based on the experience of the other local municipalities I believe the “City Manager” approach is not the best option for the City of West Richland at this time. While the “Strong Mayor” form of government can result in having inconsistent or ineffective leadership; however, the same can be said of “City Manager”.

 

Turnover of City managers can be very disruptive to the city, and replacement can be time consuming. Good city managers are difficult to find and are expensive. The oversight of city managers falls on council members, as such, requires greater Council awareness of what is going on. Consensus on needing to take action can be difficult.

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2) The West Richland Mayor currently has sole discretion over hiring and salary decisions for City Staff.  Should that continue or should hiring and salary decisions require concurrence with the City Council? 

 

The City Council has oversight of the salary schedule and budget so they do make salary decisions. I do believe that involvement of Council in hiring of key individuals (Directors, Chief of Police) would be appropriate but the final decision must fall on the Mayor (or City Manager).

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3) Should there be a succession plan for key city staff positions? 

 

Staff changes are inevitable and a good mayor should have succession planning in mind but for an organization as small as the West Richland, a formal plan does not seem appropriate. It is better addressed as an HR staff development plan.

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4) What are your favorite aspects of West Richland and what do you think draws people to our City?  Alternatively, what are your leading concerns? 

 

I believe people think of West Richland as a safe city, free of the problems in our neighboring cities.

 

My biggest concern is the growth of higher density housing potentially transitioning into rental. I have always felt that the city should have a program to address issues that typically occur with rental property.

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5) How should current and future City Park development and maintenance be funded?  Should the City establish a Parks & Recreation department or contract for private companies to provide those services? Should future neighborhood parks be maintained through HOA funding? 

 

The funding of park maintenance is always lower on the totem of funding than other general fund items. Unless some other creative approaches can be developed through our partnership with Tri-City Raceway or other entities, there is likely a need to raise taxes for park maintenance.

 

I believe there is a need to evaluate using private companies to maintain some, if not all of our parks. I do not support developing a Parks and Rec department simply because we cannot afford it.

 

I am skeptical that an HOA approach can be successful and likely would result in development of “private parks”​

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6) How would you improve communication between the City Council and citizens? Should more time be given for people to speak at City Council meetings? Should there be more open workshops for citizens to attend? Other suggestions? 

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I believe there is plenty of opportunity for citizens to speak to the City Council at meetings and through email. I do not believe citizens want to communicate this way. It would be nice to have a City Council booth in front of Yokes manned by two City Council members where citizens would feel more comfortable talking but unfortunately, I do not believe this would be the safest situation for councilmembers.

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7) What is your position on allowing adult-only businesses such as adult entertainment, casinos, etc. within City limits? 

 

Currently these activities are allowed but restricted by the WRMC. I do not believe the majority of the citizens would support a change to our current restrictions. Due to legal issues, I do not believe modification of the current code is advisable.

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8) What is your position on permitting firework sales and use within West Richland city limits?  Should Municipal Code Section 8.22;  “Fireworks” and Section 9.38; “Noise Regulation” be amended to be consistent? 

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Three years ago, I made recommendation to the mayor on options to better address the issue, to no avail. I provided a copy of these to City Council member at the July City Council Meeting. I do not believe the noise regulation needs to be amended.

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9) What can City government do to improve transparency with the public when it comes to spending and other critical City decisions?  

 

As demonstrated by public attendance at City Council meetings, I do not believe the public is that interested in day to day issues. If I feel that the City is not being transparent on Issues, I bring to the publics attention.

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10) What can be done to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse of our City tax dollars?  

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I do not believe there is waste, fraud, and abuse of City funds. If I believe it, I would be required to take action.

 

Could the city be more frugal? Possibly, but that could be detrimental to staff and the relationship with the citizens.