EPHRATA – Candidate Steve Oliver, a long-time local business owner and community advocate, is putting forth his vision to revitalize the city of Ephrata. Oliver, who has owned Tarot Tattoo for 25 years, believes a strong focus on entertainment and infrastructure is essential for the city's growth and sustainability. 

“I am a business owner and a parent. The condition of the city has just gotten to the point where we're desperate for entertainment around here,” Oliver said. “Things are dilapidated and falling apart, and it just seems it's just like a trajectory downward.” 

Oliver said his desire to bring new energy to Ephrata is multifaceted.  

“I would like to make Ephrata the entertainment capital of Grant County,” he said. “I'd like to find a way to repurpose our airport, build it to suit our needs. We could actually handle anything, like converting it to sole purpose for DHL or UPS, or even Amazon, if we want to. We don't have any natural resources in town or natural amenities. Places that have no natural amenities have to invent something to make them attractive. Leavenworth adopted, essentially turning Bavarian, and that helped them 100%. Las Vegas was a patch of dirt until someone said, ‘let's put something there.’ Now everyone goes there. They just take ingenuity and figure out what to do with what you have.” 

The city of Ephrata, however, does not operate the airport in Ephrata. Like most rural airports in Washington, it is operated by a port district that is independent from the city. 

Oliver pointed to Quincy, which he said is prospering due to data centers and recreational investments.  

“I would definitely like to bring data centers to this area. We refused them before Quincy was able to get them,” Oliver said. “Now we can see how Quincy absolutely prospered once they agreed to have those. If we did that here, we could finance all sorts of new projects and lots of new sports and lots of new recreational activities, which would create jobs and a lot of tourist revenue.” 

Oliver said a central part of his vision includes enhancing recreational opportunities.  

“We need indoor facilities, like a year-round pool that caters to children and seniors, and an entertainment complex similar to Triple Play in Hayden, Idaho,” he said. “Having options for families will not only keep our youth engaged but also attract visitors from surrounding areas.”  

In line with this, Oliver emphasized the need for variety in local offerings.  

“People need more choices when it comes to entertainment, dining and recreational activities,” he said.  

He outlined his support for a multi-purpose arena, which he believes would position Ephrata as a cultural hub in the region. 

Oliver said infrastructure would be one of his key goals.  

“We need to address our roads and sidewalks, many of which are in disrepair. We also need to find a way to rezone ourselves out of the flood zone,” he said.  

Oliver said he is conducting polls on his candidate website to determine what the respondents think are the most important issues. 

“People feel there’s a lack of transparency and trust in our city government,” he said. “We need to listen to what they’re saying and act accordingly.” 

He is also concerned about public safety and crime, he said.   

“While we have relatively low crime rates, we cannot afford to be complacent,” he said. “People see petty crime that doesn't get investigated. They see a lot of graffiti that just seems to be pushed aside. All these things are aesthetically just unpleasant to people here; they find that their town can be marked up, and nobody does anything about it.”  

He envisions a partnership with local law enforcement, he said, that includes community engagement and improved visibility to foster a safer environment. 

His approach to community involvement would be rooted in transparency, he said, and he believes open communication channels will help rebuild trust.  

“I plan to post updates daily and be available to listen to constituents in my shop or at city hall,” he said. “Being transparent about city dealings is crucial. If I’m elected, I want to make sure people feel their voices are heard.” 

A father of three, Oliver has vested interests in the future of Ephrata. He said his personal experiences shape his outlook. 

“After a heart transplant in 2007, my life changed for the better, and I want to give back to a community that has given me so much,” he said. “I believe in this town, and I want to create a future where our children have opportunities.” 

He said he loves the city and wants to help it continue to prosper. 

“I love that I can leave my doors unlocked, or I can wave at someone, or I can block an aisle at Walmart, talking to someone,” Oliver said. “I just feel that this is such a strong community. People are so kind here, and they really should be rewarded for all the money they continually put into this town, and they don't really see much of a return.” 

Oliver said he would emphasize community enrichment and economic growth. 

“I’m willing to work for a zero salary as mayor to donate those funds back to local causes that need them,” Oliver said. “I truly believe in serving my community.” 

He is willing, he said, to advocate for innovative solutions and rebuild the city's sense of community.  

“The worst you could do is give me four years to try,” he said.