BENTON COUNTY, Wash.-In Benton County several commissioner, councilmember, schoolboard and mayoral races were on the general election ballot. Voters also decided on Proposition 1, a continued public safety sales and use tax. Results of the general election were certified by the Secretary of State’s Office on Dec. 6.
Here’s a look at the final results for some key races in Benton County:
Proposition 1: The sales and use tax to fund public safety passed with 72.58 percent of the vote.
Richland School District Director No. 3: Chelsie Beck defeated Nino Kapitula by a 59 to 40 percent margin.
Richland School District Director No. 4: Katrina Waters 54 percent, Kari Williams 45 percent.
Richland School District Director No. 5: Jill Oldson 52 percent, Gene Nemeth 47 percent.
Prosser Mayor: Gary Vegar 70 percent, Randy Taylor 28 percent.
Original Coverage:
With over 44,747 ballots counted Nov. 17, here’s a look at where Proposition 1 and other races stand according to Benton County.
Proposition 1: 72.59 percent approved, 27.41 percent rejected.
In 2014 voters approved a 0.3% sales and use tax to fund public safety in Benton County. With the original tax is set to expire at the end of 2024 and if approved, Proposition 1 would make the sales tax permanent.
Richland School Board: Three of five positions on the board were up for reelection on Nov. 7.
Director No. 4: Katrina Waters is leading with 54.53 percent of the vote over Kari Williams, who has garnered 45.24 percent in her bid to reclaim a spot on the board.
Director No. 3: Chelsie Beck is leading with 59.29 percent of the vote over Nino Kapitula for the seat on the board left vacant after Semi Bird was recalled in August.
Director No. 5: Incumbent Jill Oldson is leading with 52.64 percent of the vote to Gene Nemeth’s 47.13 percent.
Prosser Mayoral Race: Gary Vegar is winning by a margin of 70.54 percent to 28.95 percent for Randy Taylor.
