Make the role of Commissioners more transparent to the public. I will create more community engagement and help differentiate how county government services vary from those at the city, state, and federal levels. I will foster an environment where citizens feel welcome to participate in county government by providing public comment at meetings and communicating with Commissioners without fear of criticism or embarrassment from defensive replies.
Budgeting amidst looming deficits from decreased sales tax revenues. I work in a creative, entrepreneurial spirited industry where I manage shoestring budgets and am not afraid to make difficult decisions about funding allocations. As a start, Commissioners should consider a payroll reduction to their $112,000/year salaries and not support their own pay raises in the next cycle.
Healthy internal and external relationships. I plan to leverage my networking experience to keep Benton County connected to area jurisdictions, agencies, and businesses by fostering collaborative relationships of mutual trust and respect.
Model the way by focusing on governance, not grandstanding. I represent a civil voice that is committed to civility and respect in our political discourse. We need to focus on issues and not the individuals who represent different sides of issues.
Safeguarding the health and well being of the county's 200,000+ residents in the era of COVID-19. I trust science and will make make data driven, fact based decisions as part of a community-wide effort regarding our ongoing response to a global pandemic.
As Benton County Commissioner, I will make it my priority to represent the will and the interest of the taxpayers of Benton County.
I will endeavor to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars, dutifully administer the Public Safety Sales Tax while maintaining funding for our successful drug, mental health, and veterans' courts, increase public comment at meetings, employ solid governing principles in accordance with procedures, build bridges with neighboring jurisdictions for mutual development, and advocate for Hanford commuter safety.
For two decades, I've served as a leader in my industry with roles including departmental oversight, budget creation and management, and accountability to public stakeholders: all valuable experience for elected officials. With thoughtfulness, compassion, and integrity, I am ready to govern Benton County's efforts.
Justin is a proud graduate of the Leadership Tri-Cities program Class XIX and successfully completed levels I, II, and III of the Rotary Leadership Institute. He served as a citizen participant on the Vista Vision Task Force with the Port of Kennewick regarding the redevelopment of Vista Field and on the Brand Implementation Leadership Team with Visit Tri-Cities, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, and TRIDEC. Justin has enjoyed emceeing fundraising galas for numerous local charitable organizations, including the Domestic Violence Services of Benton & Franklin Counties. He is a founding member of the Tri-City Civility Caucus.
Copyright © 2020 Elect Justin Raffa Benton County Commissioner - All Rights Reserved. Paid for by Friends of Justin Raffa, PO Box 1815, Richland, WA 99352.
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