EPHRATA — Four Republicans are seeking election to Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. 

To give voters a clear comparison of the candidates' positions and priorities, each was asked the same set of questions and provided the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond. 

In this installment, candidates discuss their priorities for county spending and identify opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining current levels of service. 

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

Flynn: My top priority is ensuring taxpayers receive the greatest value from every dollar the county spends. County budgets should focus on essential services while maintaining long-term financial stability and preparing for responsible growth. 

First and foremost, I believe we must protect core county services such as public safety, law enforcement, emergency management, road maintenance, and programs that support our agricultural community, local industry, and small businesses. Protecting our residents, farms, businesses, and infrastructure is one of the county’s most important responsibilities. We must also continue supporting the Sheriff’s Office with the resources needed to combat theft, particularly agricultural, construction, and property crimes that directly impact our communities and economy. 

With my experience managing public funds, grants, and budgets, I understand the importance of accountability and careful financial planning. Before asking taxpayers to pay more, we should continually evaluate county operations to eliminate duplication, pursue grant funding, improve technology where it increases efficiency, and ensure departments have the tools they need to deliver quality services. Every dollar should be spent wisely and transparently. 

Grant County continues to grow, creating both opportunities and challenges. We must make strategic investments in infrastructure and economic development that strengthen our tax base without placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers. 

My commitment is to be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars by making informed, fiscally responsible decisions that protect essential services, improve public safety, support economic growth, and keep Grant County financially strong for future generations. 

Durfee: County government has one primary responsibility when it comes to taxpayer dollars: spend them wisely. Every budget decision should be evaluated by asking whether it provides value to the people who are paying for it. 

My priority would be protecting essential services such as public safety, road maintenance, public health, and the departments residents rely on every day. At the same time, I believe there are opportunities to improve efficiency by regularly reviewing county operations, modernizing outdated processes, improving interdepartmental communication, and ensuring staffing levels and resources align with actual community needs. 

I don't believe efficiency automatically means cutting services. Often it means identifying outdated procedures, eliminating duplication, using technology more effectively, and ensuring departments have the tools they need to serve the public efficiently.  

As a business owner and elected school board director, I've learned the importance of balancing budgets, asking tough questions, and making decisions based on facts rather than assumptions. I will bring that same mindset to county government by emphasizing accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. 

Raap: Budgeting and making spending decisions is something I deal with everyday on our farm. That experience along with my work at an accounting firm has prepared me to evaluate budgets and make responsible financial decisions. Every dollar matters and determining the differences between wants and needs should be a priority. Government should operate with the same discipline that families and business use when managing their own budgets.  

My first priority would be funding essential county services, including public safety, road maintenance, and emergency management. We need to evaluate existing programs to identify inefficiencies, eliminate unnecessary spending, improve services and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly.  

I support long-term planning with a goal to have funds set aside to address changes and challenges that may arise. As well as pursuing state and federal grants, when possible, to reduce the burden on local tax payers.  

As commissioner, I would ask questions, review the numbers carefully and make informed decisions based on facts. Taxpayers deserve accountability and explanations about how their money is spent. My goal would be to maintain financial stability while continuing to provide the high-quality services residents of Grant County need.