MOSES LAKE - Grant County PUD position B candidate challenger

Ron Baker and incumbent Bob Bernd answered audience questions

during a public forum Tuesday.

Each candidate recounted for the audience members why they

should be chosen for the four-year term.

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MOSES LAKE - Grant County PUD position B candidate challenger Ron Baker and incumbent Bob Bernd answered audience questions during a public forum Tuesday.

Each candidate recounted for the audience members why they should be chosen for the four-year term.

Bernd pointed out previous campaign promises kept during his four-year term.

"When I got onto the board, everything was a mess. You had staff afraid of commissioners, commissioners wouldn't talk to other people," said Bernd. "It is much better now."

Bernd added, "I would continue to keep power rates among the lowest in the state and encourage better business practices."

Challenger Baker pointed out his 35 years as an engineer qualify him for the position.

"I would work for the people. I want to fix many of our budget issues," he said.

He said he wants to streamline the communication between the PUD and commissioners to give people their monies' worth.

"I wanted to run as a candidate because I want to correct those budget deficiencies ... I want solutions," said Baker.

Audience members wanted to know what each candidate thought about the continued investment in fiber optic.

Bernd said he thought fiber optic was the future.

"We need to continue investing in fiber optic," said Bernd.

Baker had a different perspective.

"Four years ago, the use of fiber optic was pushed really hard. At that time, I pushed for wireless service as well. I think the city needs to look at some of the cost that is going into fiber optic," said Baker.

An audience member followed up on the issue by asking how each candidate would ensure the PUD would not pay gross amounts of overtime money already spent on the fiber optic program.

"We are already contracted with these companies," said Bernd.

Baker suggested that the PUD be more "efficient" and look over their budget carefully.