MOSES LAKE - Darrin Jackson is campaigning for Moses Lake City Council position 3 to serve residents in and around the city.

"So as not to push our ordinances out to people that live in the county urban growth area we all need a voice," he said. "I will bring this voice to city government."

For more than a decade Jackson has owned and operated a flight training school, which he said has given him a deep respect for the needs of other people.

His 40 years in the Moses Lake community have shown him residents want to see more businesses and shopping options, which he'd work toward by promoting growth and tearing down any roadblocks to new business.

If elected, he would examine how taxes are spent.

"Times are tough in our economy for all of us, some more than others," he said. "Do we, as a city, need more parks, a new city hall, roundabouts and water features?"

City taxes should go first to finance police, fire and ambulance services so residents feel safe, not special projects, Jackson said.

Jackson said he's fed up with "bickering" between county and city officials, and would work to stop it.

"I, with most people, am tired of seeing that the county is suing the city or the city is suing the county," he said. "Quit taking tax dollars out of my left hand to sue the tax money in my right hand."

At this time the city should not provide sewer service to the Grant County Fairgrounds because too much tax money has already been spent on the project, Jackson said. The city should step in if the system fails, but should not charge any hookup fees and keep standard rates.

The Larson housing area should not be annexed by the city, he said, foremost because no land owners have requested the action. Since the county currently provides all needed services to Larson residents, there is no need for them to do so, he said.

"I don't think anyone living on the base wants to be in the city, because all that you would gain is more and higher city tax," he said.

City code enforcement should be the sole responsibility of the city and shouldn't rely only on citizen complaints to find violators, he said; adding this often pits neighbor against neighbor.

"If the city is going to cite the violators, make sure you treat everyone the same," he said.