Vote Bill O'Neil for Port Of Benton 2025
A Port That Serves the Whole Community.
Mission Statement:
Bill O’Neil is running to put Benton County back in the driver’s seat. His mission is to bring back fairness, transparency, and real results—so small businesses thrive, taxpayer dollars are respected, and infrastructure actually gets built. He’ll end waste and favoritism, demand accountability from Port leadership, and make sure every dollar goes toward projects that strengthen Richland, Prosser, and Benton City for generations to come
Voting Days:
Don’t forget to VOTE! Your vote will make a big difference for our community!
Voting Days:
Don’t forget to VOTE! Your vote will make a big difference for our community!
Vote Bill O'Neil for Port Of Benton 2025
A Port That Serves the Whole Community. Voting Days:
Bill O’Neil is running to put Benton County back in the driver’s seat. His mission is to bring back fairness, transparency, and real results—so small businesses thrive, taxpayer dollars are respected, and infrastructure actually gets built. He’ll end waste and favoritism, demand accountability from Port leadership, and make sure every dollar goes toward projects that strengthen Richland, Prosser, and Benton City for generations to come
Voting Days:
Ballot Drop Off: October 27th
Ballot Drop Off locations near you
Ballot Drop Off: October 27th
Ballot Drop Off locations near you
Ballot Drop Off: October 27th
Ballot Drop Off locations near you
Don’t forget to VOTE! Your vote will make a big difference for our community!
Core Values
Putting Local Small Businesses First
Bill will ensure leases are fair, predictable, and transparent so local businesses aren’t priced out. As a two-time small-business owner, he understands the importance of keeping opportunities local.
2024 Budget
2023 Election Coverage
About Bill
Turning Promises into Measurable Results
Bill believes in accountability, not excuses. He’ll set clear deadlines, post results publicly, and make sure promised revenues—like rail-car fees—are actually collected.
2024 Budget
2025 Budget
Public Records
Spending Tax Dollars Where You Can See Them
Bill will invest in projects that matter—airports, rail, and river commerce—not junkets. He’ll cap travel spending and redirect funds to visible community improvements.
Expense Records
Grant News
Rail Priorities
Restoring Trust and Ethics
Bill stands for professionalism, transparency, and respect. Endorsed by fellow commissioners, he’ll lead with integrity and rebuild public trust in the Port.
Staff Grievance Report
Business News Article
Small-Business First
Small businesses are the backbone of our community—and they deserve fair, predictable treatment from the Port. Under current leadership, some tenants have seen lease rates rise up to 800%, while neighbors on legacy leases pay a fraction of the cost. Bill O’Neil will implement a Small Business Bill of Rights to ensure leases are fair, transparent, and consistent, so local businesses can grow without being priced out of their own community.
Small Business Bill of Rights:
- Predictable lease renewals
- Transparent, third-party appraisals
- Published comparable rates for accountability
- Fair treatment for new and existing tenants
- A clear path for appeals and feedback
Receipt Tiles
Rail-Car Fees Budgeted:
$450k (2024) + $675k (2025) ⇒ $0 Collected
Airport & Rail Wins:
$800K federal grant + rail improvements
VIDEOS
Elect Bill O'Neil
Help bring the Port Of Benton back to balance!
Jared Sessler another local candidate endorses Bill O’Neill.
Please do your own research.
See The Proof
Rail-Car Fees Budgeted - $0 collected.
Rai-Car Fees were budgeted to ensure that the track and rail equipment are properly maintained. $450k (2024) + $675k (2025) ⇒
but as of SEP 2025 - $0 Collected
Result - taxpayers cover more of the rail costs which could have gone towards community priorities—or enabling a lower tax bill.
What taxpayers’ money could have funded instead (or taxes could be lower): Lower property-tax levy (keep more money with residents). Small-business support at Port sites (tenant improvements, fair comps, wayfinding). Visible safety/maintenance (lighting, fencing, sidewalks, storm drains, park amenities). Airport basics not covered by grants (hangar/terminal upkeep, equipment, security). Site-readiness for jobs (utilities, grading, fiber, stormwater). Grant matches & emergency reserves (unlock bigger grants; respond to crises). Lower debt costs (pay down/avoid borrowing → less interest later).
Receipt Tiles
Rail-Car Fees Budgeted:
$450k (2024) + $675k (2025) ⇒
$0 Collected
Projects That Matter
Bill focuses on tangible outcomes for the community:
Airports
$800K federal grant for Richland Airport maintenance
Short-line Rail
Continued investment to keep freight efficient
River Commerce
Enhancing trade and transportation routes
Ethics & Culture Reset
Respect and integrity should define how the Port operates. Bill O’Neil will foster a culture of civility, lawful conduct, and professionalism, bringing transparency and trust back to every decision. His commitment to ethical leadership has earned the endorsement of Commissioners Lori Stevens and Scott Keller, who know he’ll raise the standard for the entire board.
Endorsements & Community Voices
“We need Bill O’Neil’s leadership to help us rebuild the trust and respect of the Port of Benton. I fully endorse Bill to become our newest Port Commissioner.”
Scott Keller
Port of Benton Commission President
“Over the past six years the Port of Benton has forgotten about our small district, Bill O’Neil is committed to putting our tax dollars back to work in our communities, particularly Prosser and Benton City. He has my full support and endorsement for district 1 Commissioner.”
Lori Stevens
Port of Benton Commission Vice-President
Vote Bill O'Neil for Port Of Benton 2025
Ballot Drop Off:
October 27th
In Person:
November 4th
Online:
November 4th