EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to submit their primary ballots, three candidates are vying for the position as Grant County Sheriff including incumbent Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are competing in the upcoming primary election. To help readers compare the candidates' priorities, qualifications and plans for the office, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. 

This installment focuses on how each candidate plans to strengthen relationships between the sheriff’s office and the community if elected, including any initiatives to improve transparency, accountability and public confidence.  

Ballots for the primary election must be postmarked or returned by Aug. 4. 

Sainsbury: As Sheriff, I would host "Coffee with the Sheriff" and "Townhall Meetings" throughout the county. Coffee with the Sheriff would be an informal meeting for the public to let us know what we are doing well and what we can improve. Townhall meetings are more formal, and we would provide the public up to date information and learn what is working and what can be improved. Townhall meetings would also have County Commissioners, the Prosecutor (or his designee) and other local officials to meet with the citizens of Grant County. Coffee with the Sheriff and the Townhall meetings would have to be separated geographically, so the public has about six months in between the meetings to see what is working and what needs more attention. 

Being actively involved in the community and getting to know community members is important to me. We must build relationships prior to major events. Being involved in community events builds trust with the public. Being open and transparent is very important as a leader. Holding the Sheriff's Office to a high standard and holding offenders to a fair and consistent standard is important too. Being fair and consistent will build trust. 

Kriete:Transparency and public trust are earned through consistent actions, not promises. As the incumbent Sheriff, one of my priorities has been making the Grant County Sheriff's Office more accessible, accountable, and responsive to the people we serve. 

Since taking office, we have expanded our community outreach by continuing Town Hall meetings throughout Grant County, giving residents an opportunity to share concerns, ask questions, and provide input directly to me and our leadership team. We also explored creating community advisory committees, but when we couldn't establish consistent representation from across the county, we adapted and returned to a format that better serves our communities. I have always made myself accessible and have never shied away from difficult conversations or community concerns. 

We have also significantly increased transparency through our public communications. Today, our communities receive the same accurate and timely information as our media partners, allowing residents to stay informed directly from the Sheriff's Office. Our increased use of social media has expanded that reach and strengthened public engagement. 

Accountability is equally important. This spring, we successfully maintained our Washington State Law Enforcement Accreditation, demonstrating compliance with more than 140 professional standards. Accreditation reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, professional excellence, and continuous improvement. 

We have earned the public's confidence by being open, honest, and responsive, and we will continue building those relationships through meaningful engagement, professional service, and a commitment to providing accurate and timely information to every community we serve.  

Gregg: Recruiting and retaining quality employees begins with leadership. Equipment, wages, and benefits are important, but people stay where they feel valued, respected, supported, and where they know their leadership genuinely cares about them. That is why my campaign has centered on servant leadership. 

As Sheriff, I will be present and engaged with our employees. I believe leadership means getting out of the office, listening to our patrol deputies, corrections staff, and support staff, while understanding the challenges they face, and giving them a voice in improving our organization. Employees should know they are heard, their concerns matter, and their contributions are appreciated. 

When you build a culture of trust, accountability, transparency, and respect, people want to stay. They become invested in the organization and take pride in serving their community. That kind of culture also attracts quality applicants because people want to work for an agency with strong leadership and a positive reputation. 

Professional development will also be a priority. I will support quality training, mentoring, leadership development, and opportunities for career advancement so our employees can continue to grow throughout their careers. Investing in our people is one of the best investments we can make. 

My goal is to make the Grant County Sheriff's Office an agency where people choose to build a career, not because they have to, but because they believe in the mission, trust their leadership, and know they are part of an organization that values them. When we take care of our employees, they will take exceptional care of the citizens of Grant County.