Citizens for a Better Port

05/21/2026

Citizens for a Better Port | May 2026

05/08/2026

“The case highlights broader questions about infrastructure oversight, public utility management, and accountability in local government operations.” AND the retaliation of those who were seeking that accountability.

Criminal investigation continues into unauthorized water hookups at Richland AirportThe Brief• City of Richland shut off unauthorized water hookups serving about a dozen private hangars at Richland Airport after discovery

05/07/2026

“Three Port of Benton commissioners — Scott Keller, Bill O’Neil, and Lori Stevens — are facing a recall effort driven by allegations of corruption — including the gifting of public funds through illegal water hookups at the Richland Airport — as well as retaliation against a whistleblower.”

Published May 6, 2026 | Port of Benton Watch

05/06/2026

Friends in low places: Update on the Port of Benton Commissioners recall

By Dori Luzzo Gilmour

“We believe that the commissioners, like all public officials, have an ongoing obligation to follow the law; and it was clear from the Port’s own internal investigation that they were actively violating the law.”

(Story in comments)

Citizens for a Better Port

04/30/2026

Current Recall Status: WA State Supreme Court of Appeals

https://acdocportal.courts.wa.gov/PublicAccess/search_sc.html

Case No. 1052537

The Washington State Appellate Courts Public Case Document Search is provided as a public service by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and the Appellate Courts.

04/02/2026

Recall efforts against the three Port of Benton commissioners will proceed, though a judge slashed some of the charges against the elected officials.

04/01/2026

“They're staying in their positions, they're continuing to fight the process, and they're continuing to have their lawyers paid by the port,” said attorney Doug McKinley. “So all of this cost is occurring to the taxpayers, and it could all be stopped if they simply stepped down.”

KENNEWICK, Wash. - A recall effort targeting three Port of Benton commissioners will move forward after a judge ruled the allegations against them meet the lega

03/31/2026

Judge OKs petitions to recall 3 port officials for violating WA law, retaliation

03/31/2026

Three commissioners. Three recall proceedings. All three cleared to move forward. The central finding is consistent across all three orders: the Port of Benton’s commissioners appear to have retaliated against employees who had the courage to bring forward concerns about misconduct — stripping the Executive Director of her authority and removing the auditor.

A Benton County Superior Court judge ruled today that recall elections can move forward against Commissioners O'Neil, Keller, and Stevens. Here's what it means — and what it doesn't.