Pullman mayoral candidates say leadership is key

Pullman mayoral candidates say the town is on the cusp of many new developments, and new leadership is paramount to its success.

The position opened up for the first time in two decades after longtime Mayor Glenn Johnson announced he was not running for reelection early this year. Johnson is Pullman’s longest-serving mayor, first appointed in 2004, according to the city’s website.

Councilor Francis Benjamin and Debra McNeil, longtime Pullman residents, are competing for the seat. Their names will appear on the general election ballot, along with many other contested races for city roles this November.

Benjamin said he’s running for mayor because he’s excited about the future of Pullman. He added there’s many opportunities in store for the town, and it’s going to take the whole community to work together to achieve a vivacious city.

McNeil said the next few years will be important for Pullman, and she has the leadership skills to move the town forward. She added she has the ability to create quality relationships by listening intently, and brings new energy and encouragement to the table.

Both candidates said the first thing they would do as mayor is mend the relationship between the city and community, and establish better communication. They added more discussion needs to happen between all residents and community partners to accomplish their goals.

Benjamin said the community has solved a lot of its easier challenges, but bigger projects are coming in the forthcoming years. He said his priority is a vibrant downtown, along with a bypass to reduce traffic congestion, stabilization to the aquifer and a welcoming community people can truly call home.

He added Pullman has an expansive community and the town needs gathering places that draw multigenerational and multicultural residents together.

McNeil said if a town grows too fast, it will always be playing catch-up. She added many opportunities are coming, and time needs to be taken to make sure the city gets things right.

Her top priority is taking care of water resources, as well as responsibly building new neighborhoods and infrastructure to support an increasing population. Also, she talked of taking care of existing businesses and encouraging more to come who represent Pullman’s culture and values.

Benjamin said he’s a longtime Pullman resident and has invested over 30 years into the community by volunteering in leadership. He’s served on the council for over 13 years, and on several city organizations. He added he has experience reaching out to a diverse number of community members and has extensive local government knowledge.

McNeil is also a longtime resident, who’s spent over 30 years teaching in Pullman. She’s also an entrepreneur, having owned the Quilted Heart for almost 17 years. She said her expertise as a business owner and public servant will come in handy as mayor.

Benjamin said he differs from his opponent with his experience.

“I have a good understanding of our community and know how to advance it,” he said. “I have broad experience in giving back and investing in our community, and that’s where I’d say I stand out.”

McNeil said her fresh perspective makes her different from the other candidate.

“I bring an excitement and a new perspective the community hasn’t seen yet,” she said. “We need a change in the way residents view the city, and as a (former) business owner and teacher, I have the ability to bring us forward with fresh ideas.”

Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com