MOSES LAKE — Candidate Karen Liebrecht is running for Moses Lake City Council position 2 because she wants to make a difference on the council with her views.

“I feel that public has a right to choice,” she stated. “My opponent has always ran unopposed. I haven’t always agreed with the decisions made by council. Instead of complaining, I want to be a part of the solution.”

Liebrecht explained her business experience will help her with the position.

“I am a self-employed business woman,” she stated. “I’ve worked hard to build my business. I pride myself in listening to my clients to give them what they expect. I would like to apply that listening ability, with the intent to act, to the citizens of Moses Lake. My business is service-based. Serving the people is something that shouldn’t be forgotten by any public official.”

Liebrecht’s goal for the position is to apply common-sense to the decision-making process.

“I want to make sure citizens rights and best interests are kept in tact,” she stated.

She does foresee a challenge facing her if elected.

“It isn’t easy to stand up for what you believe to be right, especially when you are the lone man,” Liebrecht stated. “I know you can’t please everyone, there always will be two sides to an issue. I will need to weigh the facts and make a decision.”

Liebrecht stated she wants people to vote for her if they believe she will vote on decisions the way they would.

“Many times, the only voice you have in decisions made in government is by the person you have voted into office,” she explained. “Hopefully they have listened to the public and will vote accordingly. When there isn’t any public input they are let up to their own judgement. When that is the case, pray you have someone in office that has similar ideals as your own.”

Liebrecht stated she is a Christian with conservative views on government.

“If that is who you want making choices for you and your city, then I ask for your vote,” she stated.

She shared her stance on several city issues including posting political and commercial signs on city property.

“I believe signs should be allowed as they have been for many years,” she stated. “I believe to restrict them is gagging our right to freedom of speech. To keep the political positions open to all income levels, it is imperative (to) allow political signs. Only those of comfortable finances can afford the expense of advertising.”

She explained it hurts businesses by prohibiting them from posting advertisement signs on city right-of-way.

“The start up costs for opening a business are staggering,” Liebrecht stated. “Posting tasteful signs is a very economical form of getting the word out. Small business is vital to our city. Lets help them, not hinder them.”

She explained her views on council’s decision to regulate certain dog breeds.

“I don’t feel you can single out specific breeds,” she stated. “It is the owner’s responsibility. When the owner doesn’t take the necessary precautions, the animal needs to be removed and dealt with. When there is a threat to human or animal welfare, I support swift action.”

Liebrecht explained she’s worked with dogs for 35 years through her business.

“I can think of many breeds not on the banned list that could have been considered,” she stated.

She supports the use of photo enforced cameras to monitor speeding and driver’s failing to stop for red lights.

“If you don’t do the crime, you’ve got nothing to be concerned about,” she stated.

Liebrecht supports the use of code enforcement on private property in extreme cases.

“I think code enforcement needs to be addressed when there is neglect,” she stated. “Whether it is weeds, vehicles, or pets, I appreciate tidiness as much as anyone. There is a difference between several cars neatly parked and maintained and a lot that it needs to be put in for a salvaging permit. I think once again, common sense needs to be used.”

Liebrecht explained how she would work to fund the federally mandated stormwater plan.

“First I would check for grants to fund or partially fund the program” she stated. “Our general fund and sewer and water fund would be next in line. As a last resort, I would go to the citizen’s in the form of taxation. I would only approve equal taxation. I don’t want to see the business pay more then they should.”

She commented on how the city can attract more retail businesses.

She said it’s important for the city to have a reduced crime rate and address gangs.

“Businesses are very concerned about crime,” Liebrecht said.

She said it’s important for the city to simplify the building permit process and have appropriate services such as police and fire personnel up to par.

Liebrecht explained the city should not over-tax businesses because it can discourage them from locating in Moses Lake. She added, the stormwater fee is unfair to businesses because they are paying the majority of the cost and said if they have an on-site stormwater facility, they should be exempt from the fee.