Through the Washington Public Records Act, the Observer obtained copies of the applications from 24 citizens who want to be considered for the position on the Richland City Council left vacant when voters elected a deceased candidate in November 2025.

Below are the council applicants in alphabetical order with general information — what area of town they live in, how long they have continuously lived in Richland, their jobs, and why they decided to apply. Familiar names among them include former Richland Public Works Director Pete Rogalsky and former Port of Benton Commissioner Roy Keck.

In addition to the information provided on the applications, the Observer reached out to the 21 who didn’t run for city council in the election last year and asked why? Twelve of them responded.

Some pointed to the expense of running a campaign for office versus being appointed to it. One applicant noted, “I was not sure that the use of my assets to run for the position was worth the cost.” Another wanted to make sure there was a conservative who applied so  a “liberal” wasn’t appointed. For others, personal and professional responsibilities interfered with campaigning last year.

 A * by the names below indicate a candidate who responded to the Observer question as to why they didn’t run last year and includes their explanation.

The area of town where applicants live is indicated by a number in parenthesis.

These are the five areas of Richland:  (1) the northernmost neighborhoods of Richland (2) neighborhoods in central Richland (3) neighborhoods mostly north of the Yakima to downtown Richland and includes  Columbia Point  (4) neighborhoods that go from north of Gage Blvd. and the irrigation canal to the Yakima River (5) neighborhoods that are the southern most section of Richland which includes the area south of Gage and south of the irrigation canal and includes Badger Mt. South at the very southern tip.

Applicants come from all of these areas, 14 from north of the Yakima and 10 from south of the Yakima.

Applicants below

Britt Creer, (1) 22 years in Richland, construction development owner focused on multi-family and single-family development, “I love the City of Richland, I am interested in escalating my service level as I get older and have more time.” Creer served 19 years on the city of Richland Housing Authority.

*Nathan Christian Davis, (3), 4 years in Richland,  Business owner, Tri-City Appliances “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my county. Nathaniel Hale. I feel this quote deep in my soul.”

“I wanted to provide a stable and conservative option for the council to choose from. I care about our community and do not wish for radical or liberal people to be in our government. I learned during the last election cycle that there is a movement of liberals in our community to try and gain power.”

*Ragan Faylor, (1), 7 years in Richland, real estate appraiser, “I believe my experience  serving on the Code Enforcement Board and being an Animal Control Officer for Tri-Cities Animal Services brings real life knowledge of some of the challenges of the City of Richland.”

“I have  the time to commit to the position . After having served on the Code Enforcement Board and my work as an Animal Control Officer for Tri-cities animal services, I think I bring some new insight and experience to the council.

*Eileen Harbertson, (5)  10 years in Richland, community volunteer,  I love living in Richland and want to strengthen what makes it such a nice place to be.”

“The barrier for entry for turning in an application is minimal technically, financially and personally compared to the amount of resources involved in running a political campaign with an equally uncertain outcome.”

Roy Keck, (3), 74 years in Richland,  retired project manager nuclear energy. Keck served 18 years on the Port of Benton Commission, losing re-election last year by about  200 votes. “I am a dedicated public servant and would appreciate the opportunity to continue serving my community as a councilmember.” Keck was once a member of both the Richland Utility Advisory Committee and the Richland Economic Development Committee

Colleen Lane, (4), 15 years in Richland,  Owned and led my real estate team for over 15 years. “I love Richland and want to help guide its future.”

Mary Lipton, (5),  34 years in Richland, scientist, “Since moving to the area in 1993, I have been a resident of Richland for over 30 years and watched as the area expanded and the city grew into the thriving community.

*Samanth Mason, (4), 13 years in Richland, Dietician, “I am interested in serving as a Cityof Richland council member because I care deeply about the city.”  Mason grew up in Richland.

“Last year I was committed to serving my term on the Parks and Recreation Commission. My term ends in March, so this is a great opportunity for me to continue serving the city. As a longtime resident, with experience in local government, I would be honored to represent the people of Richland.”

Colin Michael, (1),  3 years in Richland, engineer, DoE “I’m interested in serving because I believe Richland is leaving a lot of potential on the table.” Michael lost in a close race for city council to incumbent councilmember Ryan Whitten

Nathan Miller, (3), 5 years in Richland, Transit dispatcher. “I am interested in serving as a City of Richland councilmember because I care deeply about the long-term health, Safety, and Stability of our Community.”

Leisa Moore – (1), 3 years in Richland, H&R Block Client Service Professional, “I am interested in serving because I care deeply about Richland’s long-term safety, stability, and responsible growth.

Heide Mortensen (5) 6 years in Richland. RN and Realtor. I am interested in serving as a City of Richland councilmember because I believe local government plays a uniquely important role in shaping the everyday experience of residents.”

*Edward L. Munoz, (3) 5.5 years in Richland, telecommunications technician, “My wife and I moved to Richland in June of 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic. We immediately fell in love with this city and the tri-cities in general.” Munoz and his wife Constance Munoz regularly attend Richland City Council meetings.

“I didn’t run because my wife and I were supporting Don Landsman. His passing was unexpected and there wasn’t time to start a campaign.”

*Kyle Palmer, (2),14 years in Richland, real estate, former member and chair of the Richland Planning Commission. “I am interested in serving on the Richland City Council because I care deeply about the community and want to contribute to steady, thoughtful leadership as the City continues to grow.” Third generation Richlander.

“Running for City Council is a serious commitment, and last year I didn’t feel it was the right time to undertake a full campaign. My interest in serving the City has never been about holding office for its own sake, but about contributing when it’s appropriate and needed. This vacancy presents a specific opportunity to step in, help maintain continuity, and serve in a focused, service-first way without the distraction of a campaign.”

Andrew Rice, (2) 5 years living in Richland, retired chemist. “Having lived In the Tri-Cities 18 years and for the past five years in north Richland, I have become very attached to the community and want to see it prosper.” Rice lives about six doors from newly elected Councilmember Patricia Holten.

Pete Rogalski (1), 31 years living in Richland, Former Richland Public Works Director, current member of the Richland Economic Development Committee.

*Kyle Gardner Saltz, (5) 4 years living in Richland, Law Enforcement/military. Saltz ran for the council in 2025 and lost. “I believe it is the continuation of my duty to serve my community. It is a strong believe of mine that all veterans upon returning home should continue their service inaiding and leading their community.”

“ I believe I am the best person for this position… In keeping with the spirit and will of what Donald wanted I plan on doing exactly what he campaigned on. Accountability of leadership and transparency. Actual codes we found the city needs to amend and policies that are outdated and is actually costing the city money. Looking into our taxes and responsibilities. If I am allowed into this position, then I will work not as Kyle Saltz but as trying to keep what Donald’s dream was. My duty will be honoring Donald and his family which remain close to my heart as Donald was like a father figure to me.”

*Todd Samuel, (4), 14 years living in Richland, Research Group Manager – Building Systems Group, PNNL, “As someone who graduated from Richland High School and has lived and worked in the Tri-Cities for over 40 years, I have a deep appreciation for the unique strength and potential of our community.” Samuel served on the  Planning Commission and Code Enforcement Board

“My interest in serving on the council has grown as I’ve become more knowledgable regarding our city and how it works.  As you know, in 2024, my service began on both the Planning Commission and the Code Enforcement Board.  These experiences have provided an opportunity to gain insight into the issues and opportunities for Richland.”

*Kurt Schweiger, (5) 3 years living in Richland, Active military. “I have served in the Army National Guard for almost 27 years now, in both Washington and California and have never considered going into any governmental office.”

“However, as I come closer to my military retirement later this year, and have started serving my church in more ways, I’ve been looking for opportunities to serve my city and community. This opportunity to apply for city council happened to come at the right time and even if I don’t get selected, I am considering running for the office now that I’ve already gone as far as applying for the job.”

*Anthony L. Sharpe (4), 17 years living in Richland, retired insurance agency owner. “To provide a public service to the City I have called my home for over 40 years and continue the vision that Donald Landsman would have brought to the Council.” Tony went all the way through school in Richland.

“My answer to your question is fairly simple. Since returning to the City that I grew up in about 17 years ago, I have considered running for a City Council position many times, but the cost of filing and actually running for the position are two very different numbers. I guess that because I view all public offices as ‘public service’ positions, I was not sure that the use of my assets to run for the position was worth the cost.”

*Devin Donald Sutherland, (2), 10 years in Richland, City Letter carrier.  Union vice-president. “I’ve lived in Richland on Basswood and Perkins for over 26 years, leaving only for studies.I want to join the team making an impact in every resident’s lives, sharing my skills and addressing the concern of the citizens I engage with every day.”

“Last year, I focused heavily on my union and improving daily life for my coworkers. I was recently elected vice president of our local NALC branch and was able to remedy monthly meeting times that directly conflicted with city council meetings. Additionally, I wanted to participate in out-of-state training, including the NALC Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C.”

Anna Tadlock, (1), 9 years living in Richland, homemaker/volunteer, “I am interested in serving as a City of Richland council member because I care deeply about the safety, stability, and long-term well being of our community and the families who live here.”

*Michael “Shane” Thorson, (4),13 years in Richland,  military veterans benefits advocate.“I am interested in serving because I care deeply about Richland’s quality of life and long-term stability.”

“I did not run in last year’s election because at that time I could not have devoted the full focus that a City Council campaign and position deserve. My priority was on pressing professional and family commitments, and I believe that seeking office should only be done when one can commit 100%.”

*Chrystyanna VanDyke (1) – 15 years living in Richland, U.S. Army veteran (Feb. 2017 to July 2025) who wrote, “I am interested in serving as a Richland Councilmember because I am committed to public service and improving the community I call home.”

“While I’ve been interested in public service for some time, last year wasn’t the right moment for me to run. I wanted to spend more time learning how the city operates, listening to residents, and making sure I could fully commit the time and energy to the role.”