Editor's Note: To watch the full forum, please visit: https://bit.ly/2024GCFORUM

MATTAWA – At Wahluke High School on Sept. 12, the two candidates for Grant County Commissioner Position 2, incumbent Republican Rob Jones and Republican David Henderson discussed their policies around various subjects. 

The pair shared the stage at a forum sponsored by the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce, Wahluke School District and the Columbia Basin Herald. The event was moderated by Columbia Basin Herald Managing Editor R. Hans “Rob” Miller. 

During Henderson’s introduction he said that he is a 57-year-old Grant County resident. He has been married for 37 years, has three children and 10 grandchildren. Henderson said he works in sales management and business development. He said he works for an energy company serving Adams, Franklin and Lincoln counties, adding that he has heard concerns about transparency and accountability in Grant County and would like to change that.  

Jones introduced himself saying he lives in Moses Lake. He also said he owns a few different businesses and multiple properties from commercial to residential. He said he was happy to answer some questions with his fellow candidate. 

Transportation infrastructure  

The first question of the forum asked what could be improved regarding transportation infrastructure in Grant County.  

Henderson said he would like to look at where the fuel taxes county residents and businesses pay and work to ensure more of that money goes to local transportation projects. He said when you get off the main roads, there are fertilizer trucks, food trucks and milk trucks on small sketchy roads. He said those are the people buying the fuel and so the money should be spent to improve the roads those trucks use.   

Jones elaborated on what Henderson said, saying that the county has taken about a $600,000 cut for the 2025 budget in motor vehicles. He said most fatalities are taking place on state highways, not county roads. However; he said, there are enhancements that can be done, and he supports them fully.  

Henderson then rebutted saying the Climate Commitment Act has negatively impacted residents, limiting their budgets and ability to fill up at the gas pump. He said there is so much tax or regulatory money in a gallon of fuel that Washingtonians can't afford it. He said Grant County needs to fight for some of the Climate Commitment Act funds to fix the roads because it's not going into Green Energy, windmills or solar energy.  

Rural solid waste

The second question of the forum regarded solid waste services in the less populated portions of Grant County and what could be done to better serve those areas. 

Jones said the county closed the Coulee City dropbox in 2021 and that site was the highest cost per ton to collect and process solid waste and the site was losing money. While there has been discussion of other opportunities such as a company putting in a transfer station to serve that area, that hasn’t come to fruition. He ended by saying that the county is looking at reviewing the solid waste plan. 

Henderson said the lack of trash service in rural Grant County has led to a significant litter problem. Residents aren't taking the trash to the dump which results in refrigerators, mattresses and other trash being dumped along roadways. The county needs to come up with a short-term solution, then examine long-term solutions such as an incinerator that burns clean and quiet without significant odor issues. Such a long-term solution would pay for itself, with a possibility of having other counties in the area paying for Grant County to incinerate their trash. 

However, Jones said the county has examined an incinerator and the feasibility is questionable.

Health care

The third question of the forum related to health care and health care access in rural communities. The commissioners were asked what they feel should happen and what the county could do to help the different hospital districts to provide easier access to residents.  

Henderson said the county needs to be unified and collaborate with the agencies in Grant County to improve access to health care in more rural regions. In working with Samaritan Healthcare, Quincy Valley Medical Center and other providers, a solution could be developed. 

Jones said that with American Rescue Plan Act funding, the country could support some of the local, smaller rural hospitals. He said that in the future everyone needs to work together with the hospital district. 

Stray animals

The fourth question addressed the problem of stray animals in the county. Although the Grant County Animal Outreach facility will be replaced soon, it is likely to fill fast and a plan needs to be developed to address the issue. 

Jones said the City of Moses Lake and Grant County have put up a million dollars each in funds to build a new facility. He said with that, hopefully there will be better options with spay and neuter clinics. He said the county has previously supported such clinics.  

“If it’s a real issue it has to be brought to us repeatedly and pushed, I guess I want you to use our tax funds to fix this issue, and if that doesn't happen, then we're juggling roads or solid waste or mental health or the law and justice budget,” Jones said.  

He said the county also needs to improve enforcement on licensing.  

Henderson said feral cats are the issue in his neighborhood, not dogs. He said he sees new ones every week. The county needs to figure out a way to get that population under control whether it’s through donations to get people to spay their animals or coming up with another solution. He said there needs to be collaboration to come up with the best ideas and get it under control.

Gang violence 

Jones and Henderson were asked what they could do to support the local law enforcement in their attempts to curb gang violence, especially among youth. Two gang-related shootings occurred recently, one at the Grant County Fair and another in Desert Aire. Teens were directly involved in both incidents, both as perpetrators and victims.

Henderson said homelessness and drug activity, especially in Moses Lake, is a serious concern. He believes the area is a site where those without homes are imported and that he is aware of overdose issues at businesses throughout the county because of the drugs and crime associated with gangs and homelessness. 

Henderson said he believes young women are being used to push fentanyl on the streets of Grant County. 

To address the situation, Henderson said funding for law enforcement in the county needs to be maintained and increased. 

Jones said the county is supporting the Grant County Sheriff’s Office with funding. He said about $25 million goes to GCSO’s annual budget. Additionally, funding for the Crime Reduction Team, which targets mid-level drug and gang activity among other common issues, has resulted in improved enforcement. Jones added that when Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete comes to the Grant County Board of Commissioners with ideas to combat crime it is generally supported. As a result, the GCSO budget has grown during his term. 

Favs 

The final question of the night for the candidates was what their favorite thing about Grant County was. 

Jones said he likes the opportunities the most. He said there is so much new industry, technology and opportunity for students, children and everyone to expand what they may be doing. He added that the landscape is beautiful and something he appreciates.

Henderson said he loves anything outdoors, including driving around in the evening or when it’s nice and cool after a hot summer day and you can smell alfalfa. He said that it’s just a good feeling to have the window down and enjoy the environment the county has to offer. 

    David Henderson, Republican candidate for Grant County Commissioner District 2 said litter in the county is out of control, in part due to poor service to the less populated areas of the county.