Benjamin for Pullman Mayor
Thank you for your interest in learning about me.
Heidi and I, after over 40 years of marriage, continue to grow in our love for each other. We are deeply committed to our three children.
From Jeremy who serves in the Marines, to Joel who rivals my knowledge of history and geography, and Gailynn who is a doctor caring for our future generations.
Together we work to make Pullman and our world a better place.
A Strong History
Community
I believe that a person’s value is inherent and not based on their individual physical characteristics.
Each person has the ability to positively impact society and the people around them. It is important for each of us to make time to listen to each person and all sides of an issue.
The best solutions can only be accomplished if we pool our skills and knowledge and work collaboratively together.
Visionary
The people in our community are what makes Pullman great. I believe that it is important to invest and serve all community members. We need to respect those who have gone before us while preparing the next generation of leaders.
We must invest in consistent managed economic growth to insure we have the living wage and entry-level jobs necessary to meet employment needs as well as a fiscally appropriate tax base to meet community infrastructure requirements.
Statesman
Pullman doesn’t exist in a vacuum, but what happens in Olympia and Washington D.C. impacts our community.
I have worked hard to influence the Washington state legislature, state and federal agencies, and Congress to support what is best for Pullman.
Leadership Experience
Francis is an energetic community organizer and activist with a passion for the whole community; from youth mentoring to senior advocacy, from housing affordability and the food security to economic development and training entrepreneurs.
His leadership includes:
Currently
Active member of the Pullman community since 1984
Pullman City Council (13+ years)
Pullman 2040 Co-chair (7+ years)
Pullman Community Council on Aging President (Board 6+ years)
Pullman Chamber Board Member (6+ years)
Pullman Chamber Government Affairs Committee Co-chair (committee 20+ years)
Pullman Kiwanis Board member (6+ years)
Research: Legislative Civility (15+ years)
Lentil Festival – Over the Chili Bowl (15+ years)
High School Youth Mentor (12+ years)
Innovia Foundation Leadership Council (2+ years)
Town Gown Collaborative (5+ years)
Meals on Wheels volunteer (20+ years)
Friends of Scouting Breakfast Chair (7+ years)
Downtown Pullman Association – Economic Vitality Committee Chair (2+ years)
Previously
Kiwanis Past President
Association of Washington Cities Past President
Be The Entrepreneur Bootcamp Past Co-chair
Whitman County American Red Cross Past Board member
City of Pullman Human Rights Commission Past member
City of Pullman Environmental Quality Commission Past member
One Palouse Director (formerly Palouse Knowledge Corridor)
Palouse Ice Rink Association
Regional Housing Leadership Team
Community Action Center Community Food Bank Volunteer
Washington Policy Center Eastern Washington Advisory Board (7+ years)