EPHRATA — Three candidates are vying for the position of Grant County Sheriff in the primary election: incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg. To help voters compare the candidates' views and priorities, each was sent the same set of questions and given the same deadline to respond. This question focuses on the current state of the sheriff's office and what each candidate believes could be improved. 

Primary ballots must be postmarked or returned by Aug. 4. 

Question: What do you believe is currently working well within the Grant County Sheriff's Office and what areas require the most improvement? If elected, or re-elected, what would be your first action as sheriff?

Sainsbury: The resources have improved and the deputies are working hard to protect the public on a daily basis. Having First Watch available for all employees and an outlet for the challenging calls has been helpful for everyone. It will continue to improve as employees get the help and learn it is a trusted resource. 

I believe the communication throughout the agency could improve, which would help improve the morale and culture. Making the environment positive and inviting for employees. We want to be cohesive as an entire agency and the ability to have constructive conversations with positive direction.  

Kriete: As the incumbent Sheriff, I believe the Grant County Sheriff's Office is in a much stronger position today because of the measurable results our team has achieved since taking office. Together, we have reduced property crimes in our rural communities while strengthening recruitment and increasing the number of deputies on the road and in our jail. We have also expanded partnerships with law enforcement agencies, behavioral health providers and other county offices. Through these partnerships, we are holding offenders accountable while connecting those who want help with resources that reduce repeat crime and improve public safety. 

The area requiring our greatest continued focus is the drug epidemic affecting Grant County. Illegal drugs are driving many of the crimes impacting our communities, especially property crimes committed to support addiction. While enforcement alone will not solve this problem, we must continue improving tactics, strengthening partnerships and expanding efforts to investigate and disrupt the mid- to high-level drug traffickers bringing these dangerous substances into our county. 

If re-elected, my first priority will be to build on the momentum we have created together. We will continue recruiting, hiring and retaining exceptional employees, transitioning into our new corrections facility, and expanding proactive crime-reduction efforts. Even though property crimes in our rural farming communities have declined through our team's hard work, they are still happening, and that reduction is not good enough for me. I will continue working alongside our employees and community partners every day to further reduce crime and make Grant County the safest and greatest place to live, work and raise a family. 

Gregg: The men and women of the Grant County Sheriff's Office are the agency's greatest strength. Every day, deputies, corrections staff, and support staff come to work committed to serving our communities, often under challenging circumstances. I believe the dedication and professionalism of the employees is something our county can be proud of. 

At the same time, I believe there are opportunities to improve the culture and leadership of the organization. My campaign is built on servant leadership, accountability, transparency, and visibility. Employees deserve leaders who listen, communicate openly, and create an environment where they feel valued, respected, and supported. Strong leadership within the organization translates into better service for the public. 

If elected Sheriff, my first action will be to meet with employees throughout every division of the Sheriff's Office to listen to their concerns, identify challenges, and begin rebuilding trust through open communication. I will also meet with our community partners, city leaders, the Prosecutor's Office, and our judges to strengthen relationships and ensure we are working together to improve public safety across all of Grant County. 

My priority will be establishing clear expectations, promoting accountability at every level of the organization, and creating a culture where integrity, professionalism, and service are the standard. When employees are supported and empowered, they are better equipped to provide the high-quality service our citizens deserve.