QUINCY – The Quincy Mayoral Race consists of candidates, incumbent Paul Worley and Manny Rodriguez. Both candidates were given questions with a word count limit for responses and matching deadlines to respond. 

How do you plan to support or continue to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Quincy, especially those outside the dominant industries? 

Worley: We have already relaxed some city codes. We have changed some codes to multi-use zoning, allowing both business and residential in the same location. We are also updating our 20-year comp plan to include updated codes and zoning. Our staff will continue to assist the customers with licenses and permits, helping them through the process to expedite their needs as fast as possible.  

Rodriguez: Small businesses are the heart of Quincy, and supporting them is not just a talking point for me. It is something I do every single day. As a board member of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, I have welcomed business owners big and small, making sure they feel seen, supported, and part of our community. I also run my own small marketing agency, where I work directly with local entrepreneurs to help them build their brands, grow their reach, and get their message out through social media. I have seen firsthand the challenges and sacrifices that come with running a business. That is why I want to make it easier for others to succeed by pushing for fewer barriers, more resources, and programs that actually help. Quincy thrives when our local businesses thrive, and I want to keep lifting them up. 

What is your vision for Quincy's parks, recreation and public spaces over the next decade? 

Rodriguez: Quincy already has some great parks and public spaces, but I see an opportunity to really give our town a stronger identity. One idea is to add something bold, like a large QUINCY sign or letters in a prime location. It would be a perfect spot for photos, bring more visitors, and give people something to be proud of. I want to upgrade our playgrounds, make sure water fountains and bathrooms are open year-round, and bring in solar charging stations and public Wi-Fi to modernize our parks. Lighting throughout town also needs work because some areas, like K Street, are completely dark at night, which is not safe or welcoming. Safer, better-lit crosswalks are another priority. These changes may seem simple, but together they would give Quincy a real sense of place. I want our parks and streets to reflect a town that is growing, modern, and full of life. 

Worley: My vision is to finish the new pool, the splash pad, the baseball triplex and soccer fields at Lauzier Park, along with the planned connecting trails to other parks. Hopefully, an off-leash dog park. We will also work with the Regional Parks District to bring the Q-Plex recreation center to completion. 

What steps would you take to ensure Quincy's water resources are managed sustainably? 

Worley: We will continue to educate the public and industries on water conservation. We have already been promoting desert-style landscaping on developments. We are continuing to build out our reuse and reclaimed water facilities. We are working on getting M&I water for seasonal use. We are also always looking for available deep water rights to buy. We are currently looking into treating wastewater to be clean enough to irrigate parks and playgrounds, conserving more water. 

Rodriguez: I will be honest. I’m not a water expert. But I do understand how important water is to Quincy’s future. It is not just about what comes out of our faucets. It is about our farms, our families, and how we plan for tomorrow. If elected, I would focus on listening and learning from the people who know this issue best, such as local experts, farmers, and regional partners. I believe in keeping the community informed and involved so we make smart and sustainable decisions together. I want to support infrastructure that protects both residential and agricultural needs while also encouraging conservation. Water is a shared resource, and how we handle it today will shape Quincy’s growth for years to come. I may not have all the answers yet, but I am committed to surrounding myself with people who do so we can make the right choices as a community. 

What is your approach to public safety and do you plan to work with law enforcement and emergency services to meet the needs of the community? 

Rodriguez: Public safety is a huge priority for me because when people feel safe, they can truly thrive. I believe this starts with strong partnerships between our police department, emergency services, and the community. I want to make sure our first responders have the tools and training they need to do their jobs well. One idea I would like to push forward is adding a mental health professional to the department to help with the growing number of mental health-related calls. That kind of support helps both the officers and the community. I also believe in community policing, being present, building trust, and making sure people feel heard. Safety is not just about responding when something goes wrong. It is about creating an environment where people feel protected and connected. That is the kind of Quincy I want to help build. 

Worley: My approach to public safety is to let the Police do their job. Myself and the City Council have never turned down a training request for our officers. We will continue to provide up-to-date training for our Police Department along with reliable equipment. We will continue to work with INET, Columbia River drug task force, and the Sheriff's department to get the illegal drugs off our streets, making Quincy a safer place. We also work with the School District with (school resource officers). We will continue to contract with the Fire District for fire protection and emergency services. We will also contract with Columbia EMS formally Protection ! for Ambulance and emergency services. 

How would you approach regional collaboration with neighboring cities and Grant County to address shared challenges and opportunities? 

Worley: As far as regional collaboration. Quincy is part of the Grant County Cities and Towns, the Grant County Economic Development Commission. We work with the Port of Quincy, the Hospital District, School District, NCW regional Library District, Grant County Commissioners, State Representatives and Federal Representatives and several regional Water boards.  

Rodriguez: Quincy is not an island. We are part of a larger region with shared challenges and opportunities, and I believe we can accomplish so much more by working together. Even before running for office, I have already reached out to neighboring mayors and community leaders to start conversations about collaboration. We share concerns around housing, transportation, infrastructure, and economic growth, so why tackle them alone? I want to create stronger communication channels, work on joint projects, and build partnerships that actually lead to results. Regional collaboration is not just about meetings. It is about showing up, building relationships, and making sure Quincy has a real voice at the table. When we work together, we can bring more resources into our communities and solve problems faster. My goal is to make collaboration the norm, not the exception, so we all grow stronger together.