NEWS

Benton County Republican Party Annual Lincoln Day Dinner Fundraiser
The Benton County Republican Party is pleased to announce that this year’s Lincoln Day Dinner
will take place on Friday, June 28, 2019 at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel.

Exciting Keynote Speaker
This year we are excited to have Mark “OZ” Geist as our keynote speaker. Mark finished his
career as a security contractor in Benghazi, Libya, where he was credited with helping to save the
lives of more than 25 Americans. He is a co-author of the bestselling book, "13 Hours: The Inside
Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi."

For further event details and to purchase tickets, please go to:  https://bentoncountygop.ejoinme.org/lddhome


​Benton County Republican Party Calls for Amendment to Benton County Public Safety Tax – Giving Secondary Priority to Funding Fire Districts

May 5, 2019, Benton County, WA.  -- On May 2nd, 2019 the Benton County Republican Party adopted a resolution calling upon Benton County Board of Commissioners to place an amendment to the language of Proposition 14-5 on the next ballot.  The amendment directs the county to prioritize spending of surplus public safety tax funds on local Fire District requests once law enforcement-related requests have been considered.

Amendment Addresses Public Safety Priorities
Currently, the Public Safety Tax uses the fund for the hiring of additional police officers, corrections officers, prosecutors, the Metro Drug Task Force, gang and crime prevention efforts, as well as court and clerk programs including drug and mental health courts.   In addition, the Board of Commissioners has authorized appropriations of a portion of these tax funds for a variety of other programs under the auspices of gang and crime prevention.  Local Fire Districts – a vital component of public safety – were unable to submit any funding requests due to the constraints of the existing language within the proposition approved by the voters in 2014. 

“Benton County Fire District #1 does not currently own ambulances, yet 90 percent of our medical calls require transporting a patient to the hospital.  Having our own ambulances would reduce emergency response times by as much as seven minutes as well as reduce the strain on neighboring agencies.  Last year, we asked the voters to approve an EMS levy to allow these purchases.  Unfortunately, a super majority (60%) was required for the ballot measure to pass even though a clear majority (54%) of people in our community supported the levy.  We have not given up on the goal to improve our EMS program however, we cannot fund those purchases out of existing revenue,” said Lonnie Click, Benton Fire District One Chief.

Bill Berkman, Chairman of the Benton County Republican Party added, “The language of Proposition 14-5 was well-intended, however, the changes from the original RCW’s text precluded other bona fide public safety agencies such as fire departments from receiving funding from this tax.  Our request to have the language amended through a ballot proposition is the best way to serve the interests of the citizens of the County while preserving the will of the voters.”

Text of the Adopted Resolution

Proposal for an Amendment to Benton County Proposition 14-5

IN THE MATTER OF PLACEMENT ON THE BALLOT OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROPOSITION FOR AN INCREASE IN SALES AND USE TAX FOR FUNDING PUBLIC SAFETY NEEDS IN BENTON COUNTY

WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature passed RCW 82.14.450 in 2003 to authorize county legislative authorities to submit propositions to the voters that would authorize an increase in local sales and use tax by up to three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) of the selling price in the case of a sales tax, or value of the article used, int he case of a use tax; and

WHEREAS, the tax referenced above shall not apply to the retail sales or use of motor vehicles or the first 36 months of a lease thereof; and

WHEREAS, RCW 82.14.450 requires that at least one-third of the revenues from such a tax be used for specified criminal justice purposes and that the County retain 60% of said revenues and 40% be distributed to the cities therein based on relative populations; and

WHEREAS, the original proposition did not include the full scope of entitlement under RCW 82.14.450 chapter 5, that includes fire protection purposes as a beneficiary of the one-third allocation of any tax passed.

​BE IT AMENDED, that if the collections under Proposition 14-5 exceed a surplus of $2.5 million dollars, that all Fire Departments and Protection Districts in Benton County, all Fire Departments and Protections Districts in the Cities in Benton County, and all EMS/Ambulance response teams based within have priority after all law enforcement needs are met, to apply for the allocation of surplus funds.  Fire Departments, Fire Protection Districts, and EMS/Ambulance may apply for funds to update and/or improve any equipment and apparatus that would increase their efficiency and ability to provide service to the community.  Fire Departments, Fire Protection Districts, and EMS/Ambulance may also apply for funding for building construction, be it new or remodeling of an existing station, to offset levy costs that would be passed on to the taxpayers of Benton County.

​                                                                                              # # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Benton County Republican Party Meets Local “March for Our Lives” Students
Adopts Motion to Support Local Student Efforts

Benton County, WA, March 2 2018 - On Thursday, March 1 2018, several students from Richland and Hanford High Schools spoke at the Benton County Republican Party’s regular central committee meeting concerning their plans for a rally called “March for Our Lives”. 

Following the meeting the Benton County Republican chairman released the following statement:

“The Benton County Republican Party supports local student efforts in raising awareness of the need to make students safe.

“We support identifying root causes and the development of thorough, effective, common sense bipartisan legislation.

“We invite the Benton County Democratic Party to form a bipartisan task force with us to identify root causes of these horrific events and jointly propose legislative solutions to our State Legislature.”
​
​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Benton County Republican Party Withdraws Endorsement
 
October 29, 2017 - The Benton County Republican Party held a special meeting of its Central Committee on Saturday October 28, and approved a motion to withdraw its endorsement of Lloyd Becker for the office of Richland City Council, Position 3.

“I’m confident that no one in the organization took pleasure in this action. Nevertheless, we deliberated on facts and arrived at this decision,” said Bill Berkman, Chairman.


About the BCRP
The Benton County Republican Party is organized under RCW 29A.80 and is recognized by the Washington State Republican Party.  It is comprised of nearly 100 elected and appointed Precinct Committee Officers and meets the first Thursday of each month at the Benton PUD Auditorium at 7:00PM.  Meetings are open to the public and anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to go to www.bentoncountygop.com to learn more.
2017 General Election Press Release - Candidate Endorsements​

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Benton County Republican Party Adds Additional Candidate for 2017 General Election, Opposes Kennewick Proposition 17-4

October 11, 2017, Benton County, WA.  -- On October 5, 2017, the Benton County Republican Party (BCRP) held its regular monthly meeting wherein the committee voted to endorse a 15th candidate for public office.  Mr. Ismael Delgado was endorsed for the office of Plymouth Water District Commissioner, Position 1.  Thing brings the total slate of endorsed candidates within the county to 15.
Further in the proceedings of the meeting, the BCRP voted to oppose Proposition 17-4, a proposition to raise the sales tax within the city of Kennewick by two-tenths of a percent.

The slate of endorsed candidates and associated office are as follows:
Partisan Office
Benton County Sheriff:                                       Jerry Hatcher
Benton County Treasurer:                                  Ken Spencer
 
Non-Partisan Office:
Kennewick City Council, Ward 1:                      Don Britain
Kennewick City Council, Ward 3:                      John Trumbo
Kennewick City Council, Ward 4 At Large:     Bill McKay
Kennewick Public Hospital Comm.:                 Raymond Sjerven
Kennewick School Board District Director:   Mike Massey
Port of Kennewick Commissioner:                  Skip Novakovich
Prosser School Board District Director 4:      Scott Coleman
Richland City Council Position 1:                      Bob Thompson
Richland City Council Position 3:                     Lloyd Becker
Richland City Council Position 4:                     Ryan Lukson
Richland City Council Position 7:                      Michael Alvarez
Richland School Board  District Director 2:   Ron Higgans
Plymouth Water Dist. Comm. Pos. 1:              Ismael Delgado

The BCRP’s Vetting and Endorsement Process
For candidates to be eligible for endorsement, they had to request it, acknowledge their support of the Party’s platform and underwent an interview process with the Party’s nominating committee.  Those candidates that advanced through the committee interviews were then permitted to speak to the full committee who then voted on their endorsement.
“Candidates underwent a thorough vetting process and the interviews often lasted an hour or more.  During this process, we also looked at the candidate’s backgrounds, qualifications, and history,” said Jerry Martin, BCRP’s nominating committee Chairman.

What Endorsement Means
For many voters, party endorsement carries weight in their voting decisions.  Candidates are able to utilize the endorsement in their campaign materials and publicity.  Further, Candidates who receive endorsement by the BCRP become eligible for “campaign support”.  This includes the potential for financial support, campaign advice, as well as access to valuable voter and demographic data.  In addition, Republican Precinct Committee Officers (PCO’s) and volunteers will be distributing campaign literature on their behalf.

About the BCRP
The Benton County Republican Party is organized under RCW 29A.80 and is recognized by the Washington State Republican Party.  It is comprised of nearly 100 elected and appointed Precinct Committee Officers and meets the first Thursday of each month at the Benton PUD Auditorium at 7:00PM.  Meetings are open to the public and anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to go to www.bentoncountygop.com to learn more.

04/10/2017 Letter to Commissioners Regarding Sheriff


 
Benton County            Republican Party
P. O. Box 2141, Richland, WA  99352
April 10, 2017
Commissioner Jim Beaver                                                                                                                                                                 Commissioner Jerome Delvin                                                                                                                                                          Commissioner Shon Small
Dear Benton County Commissioners:    
In accordance with the Washington State Constitution, Article II, Section 15, the Benton County Republican Party (BCRP), Central Committee is providing to the County Commissioners three nominations for the open position of Benton County Sheriff.  There were three nominations submitted to the Nominating Committee:  Bob Brockman, Jerry Hatcher, and Ken Lattin.  The Nominating Committee interviewed each of these nominees and ranked them on 21 evaluation criteria.  Each member of the Nominating Committee independently ranked each nominee on each criterion on a scale of 1 to 10, with a maximum possible ranking of 210.  The rankings of each Committee member were then averaged for a final ranking.
We are pleased to report to the County Commissioners that each of the three nominees were found to be well-qualified.  However, the interviews and the answers to 12 questions asked of each nominee revealed quantifiable variation in their credentials and qualifications.  The final rankings were as follows:
                Jerry Hatcher     197.4                                     Ken Lattin            165.0                                     Bob Brockman   156.6
On Thursday, April 6, 2017, the BCRP Central Committee met and received a report from the Nominating Committee including the information above.  The Central Committee also received a brief “voter’s guide” statement from each nominee, and each nominee made a presentation to the Central Committee describing his credentials and qualifications for the position of Sheriff.  The Central Committee, in a closed session, deliberated the nominations and possible methods for ranking the nominees.  A final decision was made by the Central Committee to forward all three of the nominees to the County Commissioners with the rankings determined by the Nominating Committee.
With the information provided in this letter, the County Commissioners can now fulfill their constitutional duty and appoint the new Benton County Sheriff.
On behalf of the Benton County Republican Party, we are very pleased to have participated in the process of providing three nominees for Sheriff to the County Commissioners.  The citizens of Benton County are indeed fortunate to have such well-qualified nominees and representatives of the law enforcement community for the position of Sheriff.
Original Signed by
Bill Berkman Chair


2/22/17 - BENTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPOINT KEN SPENCER AS BENTON COUNTY TREASURER

For Immediate Release:
Benton County Republican Party Seeks Applicants for Consideration as Benton County Sheriff Nominee

Contact:
Benton County Republican Party
Bill Berkman, Chairman
(509) 554-9635
bill.berkman@gmail.com
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Benton County Republican Party Seeks Applicants for Consideration as
Benton County Sheriff Nominee

February 10, 2017, Benton County, WA.  -- On February 9, 2017, Sheriff Steve Keene announced his retirement as Benton County Sheriff, effective on April 1, 2017.  Under Washington State Constitution, Article II, Section 15, Mr. Keene’s retirement has triggered a multi-step process whereby the Benton County Republican Party (BCRP) is directed to select three (3) nominees to be considered by the Benton County Board of Commissioners for appointment to serve as Sheriff for the balance of Mr. Keene’s term of office. 

Vacancy of Office Triggers Constitutionally-Mandated Process – County Party Swiftly Taking Action

Accordingly, the chairman of the BCRP has called for its five-member Nominating Committee to solicit well-qualified nominees for the position of County Sheriff. 
“There is significant responsibility placed upon a county political party by the Washington State Constitution.  We’re taking this job very seriously and will do our best to provide three highly-qualified nominees to our County Commissioners for their consideration,” said Bill Berkman, Chairman of the BCRP.  Mr. Berkman added, “We’re making this selection on behalf of all the citizens of Benton County, not just Republicans.”

Jerry Martin, the BCRP Nominating Committee Chairman noted, “The nominating committee has an excellent plan in-place and while we await letters of interest, we’re engaging various county officials for their insights on additional objective and subjective criteria that we can apply to our consideration of nominees.”

Applicant Process
Applicants should be a registered voter who prefers the Republican Party, and must reside in Benton County. 

Applicants must be a graduate of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (or complete the program within 12 months of appointment), in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington, RCW 36.28.025.

For those who wish to be considered for this position, send or hand-deliver a letter stating their interest and qualifications to:  
 
BCRP Nominating Committee
3101 W. Canyon Lakes Drive
Kennewick, WA  99337
 
Letters of interest must be received by Friday, March 3, 2017.  Letters and resumes will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee and vetting interviews will be scheduled during the month of March.  Vetted nominees will be presented to the full body of the Benton County Republican Party’s Central Committee at their meeting on April 6, 2017.  The Central Committee will then vote for three (3) nominees to be presented to the Benton County Commissioners for their selection of the new County Sheriff.

A partial list of the County Sheriff’s responsibilities includes the following:
  • The County Sheriff is responsible for safeguarding life and property, preserving the peace, preventing and detecting crime, enforcing the law, and protecting the rights of all county citizens.
  • The County Sheriff is responsible for protecting public safety of all 173,000 citizens over all 1722 square miles of Benton County, including the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.
  • The County Sheriff manages a staff of 217 full-time employees charged with law enforcement in Benton County, including operation and management of the Benton County Jail.

Questions regarding this process should be directed to Jerry Martin, Nominating Committee Chairman at 509-586-3349 or jandrmartin@charter.net.
                                                                     # # #

 
SHERIFF REQUIREMENTS
​RCW 36.28.025
Qualifications.
A person who files a declaration of candidacy for the office of sheriff after September 1, 1979, shall have, within twelve months of assuming office, a certificate of completion of a basic law enforcement training program which complies with standards adopted by the criminal justice training commission pursuant to RCW 43.101.080 and * 43.101.160.
This requirement does not apply to persons holding the office of sheriff in any county on September 1, 1979.
[ 1979 ex.s. c 153 § 6.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.101.160 was repealed by 1983 c 197 § 55, effective June 30, 1987.
 
RCW 43.101.080
Commission powers and duties—Rules and regulations.
The commission shall have all of the following powers:
(19) To require county, city, or state law enforcement agencies that make a conditional offer of employment to an applicant as a fully commissioned peace officer or a reserve officer to administer a background investigation including a check of criminal history, a psychological examination, and a polygraph test or similar assessment to each applicant, the results of which shall be used by the employer to determine the applicant's suitability for employment as a fully commissioned peace officer or a reserve officer. The background investigation, psychological examination, and the polygraph examination shall be administered in accordance with the requirements of RCW 43.101.095(2). The employing county, city, or state law enforcement agency may require that each peace officer or reserve officer who is required to take a psychological examination and a polygraph or similar test pay a portion of the testing fee based on the actual cost of the test or four hundred dollars, whichever is less. County, city, and state law enforcement agencies may establish a payment plan if they determine that the peace officer or reserve officer does not readily have the means to pay for his or her portion of the testing fee.

Call for Nominees for County Treasurer Appointment

December 7, 2016

Dear Fellow Republicans:                                                                                        

On November 8, 2016, Duane Davidson was elected State Treasurer and the election results were certified on November 29.  On December 6, 2016, Mr. Davidson submitted his resignation as County Treasurer, effective on January 11, 2017.  When a vacancy occurs in a Benton County partisan elective office, the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the Washington State Constitution, Article II, Section 15.

Since Duane Davidson was an elected Republican, the Chairman of the Benton County Republican Party has called for its Nominating Committee to solicit nominees for this open position of Benton County Treasurer.  Nominees should be a registered voter who prefers the Republican Party, and resides in Benton County.  The County Treasurer’s obligations include the following: 
  • The County Treasurer department is responsible for collection of taxes and revenues and serves as a “bank” for the county, school districts, fire districts, water districts, and other entities of local governments.
  • The County Treasurer department manages county investments in excess of $300,000,000.
  • The County Treasurer manages a staff of 15 people.

This letter is a call to all fellow Benton County Republicans who would like to be considered for this position.  For those who wish to be considered for this position, send a postage-paid, stamped letter stating your interest and your qualifications to: 
    BCRP Nominating Committee
    3101 W. Canyon Lakes Drive
​    Kennewick, WA  99337 

Your letter must be received by 5:00 pm, Friday, January 6, 2017.  No letters will be opened until the Nominating Committee meets on January 7, 2017, at which time the list of nominees will be assembled and vetting interviews will be planned.  Each nominee will be scheduled for an interview during the month of January.  Vetted nominees will be presented to the Benton County Republican Party, Central Committee at their meeting on February 2, 2017.  The Central Committee will then vote for three (3) nominees to be presented to the Benton County Commissioners for their selection of the new County Treasurer.

Questions regarding this process should be directed to Jerry Martin, Nominating Committee Chair at 509-586-3349 or jandrmartin@charter.net.
                                                                                                                                                      Original signed by
                                                                                                                                                      Bill Berkman, Chairman

BCRP-Endorsed Candidates for General Election

One party, united across 39 counties, serving to elect Republicans at every level of government;
​and together, working to improve the lives of all citizens throughout our state and nation.


​Benton County Republican Party, P.O. Box 2141, Richland, WA  99352
bcrpwa@gmail.com