Real estate broker announces run for Benton County Commission

RICHLAND, Wash.-- A local real estate broker announced on Monday that he's running for a seat on the Benton County Board of Commissioners.

Jeff Smart will attempt to unseat long-time commissioner Jerome Delvin, who currently holds the District 1 position.

In a press release Monday, Smart said he hopes to champion a number of different issues in his campaign, including the need for a mental health facility to serve youth and adults in Benton County, an accounting of how property taxes and public safety taxes are spent, and improving access to affordable housing.

Smart is a graduate of Kamiakin High School and Washington State University, and is currently treasurer for the Washington State Association of Realtors.

Delvin isn't the only long-standing commissioner facing a challenger in the 2020 elections. Retired Benton County Sheriff's Deputy Joe Lusignan announced in November that he's running for the District 3 seat currently held by Commissioner Jim Beaver.