MOSES LAKE — Candidates for Grant County auditor and Grant County Superior Court judge highlighted their experience, management philosophies and plans for improving public confidence in government during a candidate forum hosted by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. 

The forum, held Wednesday at the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center, drew a standing-room-only crowd held and featured candidates from races across Grant County and Central Washington. 

Three candidates are seeking election as Grant County auditor: incumbent Shannon Falstad, Darci Homesley and Andrew Koeppen. Two candidates for Grant County Superior Court Position 3 attended the forum, Trevor Bevier and Kenneth “Ken” Chadwick. Incumbent Judge Jennifer Richardson did not participate. 

Auditor candidates discuss experience, transparency 

Candidates for auditor were asked why voters should support them and how they would approach the office's responsibilities, which include elections, licensing, recording and county accounting. 

Falstad, who was recently appointed auditor, pointed to nearly three decades of county government experience, including time in both the auditor's and clerk's offices. She said voters should choose her because she understands the operations of all four divisions within the auditor's office and can combine past knowledge with a fresh perspective. 

"I have not been there for 10 years, so I think me coming in, I have a fresh look," Falstad said. 

Falstad said she plans to review policies, work closely with staff and focus on communication and cross-training. She said creating a healthy workplace and ensuring departments work collaboratively will be among her priorities. 

Homesley emphasized her accounting background and long ties to Grant County. A lifelong county resident, Homesley said she has worked in accounting roles with Moses Lake High School, the Grant County Fairgrounds and MACC 911. 

"Character matters, integrity matters, and keeping your word matters," Homesley said during her opening statement. 

Asked what process she would improve, Homesley cited employee retention and financial management. She said her experience gives her particular insight into the accounting division and the importance of maintaining consistent staffing and timely budget reporting. 

Koeppen, who has worked in the telecommunications industry and owned a business, argued that experience improving systems and learning complex operations would help him succeed despite not previously working in county government. 

"As somebody that has worked my whole life in improving systems, it is key that you understand, and then you start improving," Koeppen said. 

He said election integrity would be among his top priorities and pledged to ensure legal votes are counted while public funds are spent responsibly. 

When asked which of the auditor's four functions presents the greatest challenge over the next four years, the candidates offered differing perspectives. 

Koeppen said all four areas deserve equal attention. He pointed to county budget growth and what he described as inefficiencies that should be identified and addressed. 

"We have to make sure that every penny is spent wisely," Koeppen said. 

Homesley acknowledged that elections are the area she believes requires the most attention and continued learning. She said transparency and public trust remain important and that election officials must follow existing laws and procedures. 

"Elections to me is super important," Homesley said. 

Falstad identified the implementation of a new county accounting system as the most pressing challenge facing the office. She said accounting staff are currently entering information into both the old and new systems while the transition continues. 

"That's going to be my top priority," Falstad said. 

She also highlighted the need for training new elections staff and maintaining full staffing levels throughout the department. 

Judge candidates focus on fairness, efficiency 

Candidates for Grant County Superior Court Position 3 emphasized their legal experience and approaches to judicial decision-making. 

Bevier, a Moses Lake attorney who currently serves as a civil deputy prosecutor for Grant County, said his background in private practice, civil litigation, probate, real estate law and public service provides a broad perspective that would benefit litigants appearing before the court. 

"I want to bring to the bench fairness, justice and integrity," Bevier said during his opening remarks. 

Chadwick, a longtime attorney and former law enforcement officer, focused on the personal qualities he believes are most important in a judge. 

"Judges decide things in people's lives all the time," Chadwick said. 

He told the audience that judges must possess maturity, sound judgment, and the ability to listen carefully before making decisions that can significantly affect families, businesses and criminal defendants. 

Asked how he would transition from advocate to neutral decision-maker, Chadwick pointed to his experience serving as a court-appointed arbitrator and his career in law enforcement. 

"I have no dog in the fight," Chadwick said of his arbitration work, explaining that he evaluates evidence and applies the law impartially. 

Bevier said his varied legal background gives him experience representing different interests and understanding multiple perspectives. 

"Listen intently. Treat everyone with dignity. Apply the law fairly," Bevier said, describing the principles that would guide him on the bench. 

Both candidates were also asked how they would improve court efficiency and reduce delays. 

Chadwick suggested reviewing local court rules and adopting procedures used successfully in other Washington counties. He cited automatic protective orders in family law cases as one example that could reduce legal costs and unnecessary motions. 

He also stressed the importance of effective scheduling and collaboration among judges. 

Bevier similarly advocated examining local court rules and identifying procedural bottlenecks that slow case resolution. He said some matters could potentially be resolved through written briefing rather than hearings, helping free court calendars. 

He also emphasized accountability for litigants and attorneys. 

"The rules exist for a reason," Bevier said. "Applying the rules fairly and equally to all parties" can help cases move forward more efficiently while reducing costs. 

The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce forum featured candidates from multiple local and state races. Ballots for the Aug. 4 primary election must be postmarked or returned by Election Day. 

    Three candidates are running for Grant County Superior Court Judge Position 3 including Trevor Bevier (left), Kenneth “Ken” Chadwick (right) and incumbent Jennifer Richardson (not pictured). Bevier and Chadwick both attended the Moses Lake candidate forum.