EPHRATA – Two candidates are running for the job of Ephrata Mayor: Steve Oliver and incumbent Bruce Reim. Both were sent identical questions, with a 150-word limit.

Q: Can you describe the importance of partnerships with other municipalities? How do you plan on building partnerships with other municipalities if elected as Ephrata Mayor?

OLIVER: Local municipalities like Soap Lake and Quincy would be invaluable to Ephrata’s growth in the coming years. Learning the techniques and inner workings of such financially successful cities such as the Port of Quincy could greatly benefit how the Port of Ephrata could grow and expand. Finding a way to work with Soap Lake could greatly benefit Ephrata, especially in the tourist season. Working closely with these neighboring cities as a cohesive and idea-sharing think tank would help us to raise revenue and expand our family activities for us all.

Currently, I am in communication with another local mayoral candidate, and we are discussing how we can use our strengths together to help benefit one another. Reaching out to the city leaders surrounding Ephrata is the best way to achieve a variety of ideas that we can all work towards to benefit each other.

REIM: As a longtime member of the Association of Grant County Cities and Towns, I attend quarterly meetings where issues and ideas are discussed in an open and beneficial, relaxed setting.  The collaboration focus allows the sharing of ideas and solutions to issues that we all encounter.  I think Ephrata has an excellent relationship with neighboring cities, as mutual aid allows the sharing of resources and experiences to reach positive outcomes.

Q: How should crime be managed in the city? How do you believe the city is doing with crime management?

REIM: The safety and security for our residents and guests are a primary concern. From administration to line staff, our police and fire departments have established a positive partnership with the public.  From educational programs, Touch a Truck and the BlueBridge Alliance, our public safety personnel are a valued asset to our community. Recent data shows that Ephrata crime is down over 5%.  Chief (Erik) Koch does an excellent job, making sure that our officers are able to adjust their patrol to focus on immediate issues. Working hand-to-glove with other agencies allows for better knowledge when issues arise.

OLIVER: I don’t believe Ephrata’s crime management is currently at its best. The contract between the police union and the city must be at the forefront of the necessary boxes to be checked. I believe that finalizing a contract is paramount to keeping all parties whole and secure. The fact that the contract is entering its third year of limbo is unimaginable. I would delve into the current state of the contract negotiations and work towards a speedy resolution. Only then can we be sure our team is whole and on the same page to address crime with a focused objective to make Ephrata safe and welcoming. A lack of entertainment has led to boredom and some crime. Staying vigilant as a community and promoting absolute transparency between our police, government and all city services will help gain confidence in our public servants and the public they serve.

Q: How should future planning for infrastructure maintenance be managed? What do you think the city needs to prioritize in regard to infrastructure maintenance?

OLIVER: Infrastructure has largely been ignored as far as being proactively looking for future failures in our antiquated sewer, storm drain, and water towers. Only through disasters have these issues been addressed. Working proactively rather than reactively, we can find the future faults in these systems. Currently, we don’t have any mapping of underground water lines, so there’s no way to know if another catastrophe is on the way. Using technologically advanced machines and advanced engineering can help us diagnose and prevent future calamities. Using grants and assistance from the federal government can help our engineers to do their job more efficiently and effectively. We also need to look at more overpass/walkway options over our downtown railroad tracks to ensure the safety of our kids crossing the tracks. We should look at the proximity of our city services as they are near the railroad tracks as well.

REIM: As an aging community, we have been focusing on updating our infrastructur,e including water, sewers and roads. The city was established in conjunction with a Flight Training Base. As the budget allows, we will continue to repair or replace water and sewer lines throughout the city. We plan to continue upgrading our streets with emphasis on residential streets.

Q: How do you plan on working with county and state officials to advance the city’s interests?

REIM: There are several examples of long-term positive relationships with other local and statewide officials. The long-term collaboration with Grant County reflects the vast amount of teamwork that was essential to the construction of the jail and incorporating the property into the Ephrata City limits. Compound that with the positive relationship with Grant County PUD, and partnership that is taking place with the new service center up next to the jail. Recently, we spent time with our U.S. State Senators committee, looking at options for Port Development. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, our three state legislators joined Ephrata council members and public with an open house and presentations to the council and public. Our relationship with other officials is and will continue to be strong.

OLIVER: Opening channels of productive dialogue and reaching out to our elected officials is necessary to facilitate any change in this area. Offering our abundant land and low-cost power to house state or federal projects that create jobs and revenue is just one of many different options that are yet to be explored. Our prime, central location and eagerness to welcome new projects to this area are inevitable. Our untapped resources will be sought after if we make them available and advertised. Ephrata’s current stance of ‘staying put’ is on its last legs as it cannot survive much longer without some sort of industry recognizing our potential to use our resources and become a central hub in Washington state. We can grow responsibly and ethically, but we will need outside sources to see our potential and invest in our amazing location.

Q: How can people learn more about your campaign? Do you have any upcoming events?

OLIVER: Follow me on Facebook.com/steveoliverformayor and steveoliver.netlify.app. Email me at [email protected].

The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce is holding a ‘meet & greet’ at the Ephrata Pita Pit on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Public engagement and questions are highly encouraged! I will have signs and t-shirts available for free at this event.

REIM: My personal information can be found at electmayorreim.com. On Facebook, Elect Mayor Reim.