MOSES LAKE - Todd Voth is running for Moses Lake City Council position 7 to strengthen partnerships and serve Moses Lake residents.

A Moses Lake building contractor for 21 years, Voth said he knows how to get things done by listening and working as part of a team.

"I believe in knowing when to bring the experts in, sit down at a table and listen to them to make sound decisions," he said. "I'm concerned that the citizens in our community are not getting that same opportunity and I want to change that."

Voth served on the Moses Lake Planning Commission for five years, a role he said helped prepare him for a council position.

If elected, he said he'd assure citizens are better informed about city spending and ordinances, especially in regards to complex issues brought on by new development.

Voth said he'll work to strengthen the city's partnership with the Port of Moses Lake to finally pave a way for the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project.

"Our partnerships are key to making this city grow and thrive," he said. "I will work to build those relationships, to ensure the best possible quality of life for the citizens of our community."

The council needs to access opinions of residents through the media, public hearings and direct contact in order to understand and implement the community's priorities and needs, he said.

Voth's priority in coming years is to keep police, fire and ambulance services fully funded with no new fees.

"The health and welfare of our citizens should come before any new beautification project or street improvement," he said; adding the city should immediately reduce the ambulance utility fee and work to completely eliminate it in 2012.

Ongoing growth and annexation have stressed city services, and Voth said fire and police departments will need more resources to keep up.

When asked if the city should provide sewer service to the Grant County Fairgrounds, Voth said it is a "complex issue" and expressed his belief that the decision should be left up to citizens and county commissioners.

As to whether the city should annex the Larson housing area, Voth noted property owners must first approach the city to request the action.

"If the city did happen to be approached, it not only would increase the city's population it would increase our tax base," he said; adding this could increase the chances of attracting businesses such as Costco or Target.

Voth views code enforcement as necessary to deal with everything from noise complaints to a lack of property upkeep, and said the city does not need a complaint to enforce a city code.

"Code enforcement officers can drive through any neighborhood at anytime and issue a warning or citation if the situation warrants. That is why, as I have mentioned earlier, the city must educate, inform, recommend and then abate," he said; adding violators can always state their case before the council.

Voth said he wants to repay the city that supported his business for so many years as well as ensure every citizen has the same opportunities he has had.

"I am committed to the future of this great city we live in and will do the best to ensure that it will continue to be a great place to live and work for years to come," he said.