MOSES LAKE – In the race for the Moses Lake City Council Position 5, Jim Perez said he's positioning himself as a candidate focused on the community’s future, drawing from his extensive business background and deep-rooted connections to the area, he said.  

"How I believe I'm prepared for the role for City Council is I’ve been a business leader for over 25 years," Perez said, addressing how his management experience has shaped his approach to public service. "You learn all about priorities, budgeting and managing people, which is crucial because you're dealing with the needs of a whole community."  

Perez has lived in Moses Lake for nearly 30 years and is keenly aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

As a father and grandfather, Perez emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and vibrant environment for the future generations of Moses Lake.  

"Safety first, a safe community; secondly, job retention and supporting local businesses; and thirdly, smart growth for the community," he said when asked his top priorities.  

He noted that smart growth is essential for accommodating the inevitable population increase while ensuring necessary infrastructure supports it. 

When discussing local infrastructure, Perez said he had concerns about water supply and road conditions. 

"We definitely have a water supply concern and roads that are a concern. As we grow, we need to ensure that we have the water and electricity supply necessary," he said, emphasizing that careful planning must precede any significant growth decisions. 

One pressing issue that has recently captured public attention is homelessness. 

"We need to get people the support they need," he said. 

His personal experience with homelessness and mental health in his family has informed his understanding of the complexity of the issue. Perez said he believes in offering different types of support for individuals facing various challenges, emphasizing that personal responsibility is essential for effective assistance. 

Engagement with the community is a cornerstone of Perez's campaign strategy, he said.  

"I'm a people person, and I love talking to people," he said, outlining his plans for meet-and-greets and participation in local events like the Harvest Festival.  

He encourages residents to approach him in public spaces.  

"If you see me, come up. Say hello. Talk to me,” Perez said. “Even if I am at dinner with my wife, you can still come up and say hi.”  

In terms of economic development, Perez aims to support small businesses and attract larger entities to Moses Lake.  

"We need to make Moses Lake attractive for small businesses to stay," he said.  

He advocates for beautification initiatives to enhance the city’s appeal. 

"Let’s do something with the lake and clean that up to bring in boaters and fishermen,” he said. “Let’s make downtown look good and be a space where businesses thrive.”  

Despite acknowledging current challenges, Perez said he remains optimistic about the city's future. He envisions Moses Lake, where community members enjoy a high quality of life.  

"In the next few years, I want to see people getting the help they need to get off the streets. I want this city to be attractive to those who want to build a life here," he said. 

Perez also recognizes the need for improved transparency in city governance and suggests an enhanced social media presence. 

“We have to enhance access to information, making it easier for everyone to navigate the city’s resources," he said. 

As local schools play a critical role in shaping the future workforce, Perez firmly supports educational programs that prepare youth for success. 

"I believe we need to keep kids in athletics and other interests, so they can build a well-rounded skill set," he said.  

In a closing reflection, Perez talked about the importance of collaboration in council work.  

“It's not about an individual. It's about a community," he said.  

His vision for Moses Lake includes cooperation with other council members and government entities to build a foundation for future generations, he explained.  

“I think it's my passion. I think my love for this city is probably rare because it's very deep,” Perez said. “I've been personally touched by all of the issues that we're facing today, and I know the kind of help that is needed to counter those issues. I feel at home in this community. This community reflects my values. It reflects the way I think. I believe that families should be able to sustain the life that they want and be safe doing it. I want to give them that, above all, the care I have for this community, is what really drives me to give the best of myself back to it.” 

For more information about his candidacy, visit his campaign website, voteperez.com.