MOSES LAKE — Candidates for Grant County Sheriff and Grant County Commissioner highlighted differing approaches to leadership, public safety, spending and growth during the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce candidate forum Monday evening. 

This story covers the sheriff and commissioner positions, while additional stories will examine races for other county offices, a Grant County Public Utility District seat and Grant County Superior Court judge. To read about legislators and the fourth congressional candidate races visit: bit.ly/CBHCongressandLeg.  

To watch the full forum visit: bit.ly/MosesLakeChamberForum. 

Ballots must be postmarked or placed in an official ballot drop box by Nov. 3. Voters can verify their registration status and find election information at VoteWa.gov. Grant County voters with questions can also contact their county elections office at 509-754-2011 ext. 2704. 

Sheriff's race 

Incumbent Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg, both Republicans with extensive law enforcement backgrounds, used the forum to outline their qualifications and priorities for the Grant County Sheriff's Office. 

Kriete, who was elected sheriff in 2022, talked about staffing improvements and partnerships developed during his tenure. 

"When I was elected in 2022, we inherited a staffing crisis," Kriete said.  

He said the sheriff's office was down 25 employees but has since hired more than 70 people over the last three and a half years.  

Kriete also talked about partnerships with local organizations and service providers, including programs designed to help inmates successfully reenter the community after leaving jail. 

"We don't want people back into our jail," Kriete said. "We want to set them up for success when they leave." 

Kriete also pointed to the creation of a crime reduction team focused on property crimes, drug crimes and gang activity. 

"That organization that we started was specifically built to deal with the mid-level crimes, the property crimes, drug crimes and gang activity in our county," he said. 

Asked about the county's new jail, Kriete said housing inmates from outside jurisdictions could provide opportunities, but county residents would remain the priority. 

"The community must come first," Kriete said. "That is a deal breaker for me." 

In his closing remarks, Kriete highlighted reduced crime, increased staffing, wellness programs and accreditation efforts completed under his administration. 

"We've done some great things with the sheriff's office," Kriete said. "But we're not done yet." 

He added that his goal is to continue improving public safety and building what he described as the best possible sheriff's office for county residents. 

"The Grant County Sheriff's Office is yours," Kriete said. "You deserve nothing less." 

Gregg, a patrol sergeant with the Moses Lake Police Department and former GCSO deputy, said his campaign has centered on leadership, visibility and organizational change. 

"Leadership is bigger than a title or a position," Gregg said. "It's about getting out on the road when time allows to make sure that you're working alongside your people." 

Gregg told attendees his nearly 24-year law enforcement career has included service with the Royal City Police Department, GCSO and MLPD. 

"I've had the opportunity to serve at about every level of law enforcement," Gregg said, noting experience as an officer, corporal, sergeant and chief deputy. 

To address crime, Gregg said deputies need to maintain a visible presence throughout the county while strengthening relationships with local agencies. 

"Our criminals move all over the county," Gregg said. "Really getting together and making sure that we're talking and collaborating is huge." 

Gregg said communication between agencies allows law enforcement to identify and target individuals responsible for crime across multiple communities. 

When discussing the new jail, Gregg said he supports contracting with other agencies to house inmates if space is available. 

"I think it's a great opportunity to bolster a little bit of income for the county, for the sheriff's office," Gregg said. 

Gregg said he would also focus on being visible throughout Grant County and maintaining direct contact with residents. 

"I will commit and promise to you today, everybody in this room, everybody that's watching online, that you will see me out in the community," Gregg said. "You will see me as the sheriff." 

Commissioner race 

Kelly Raap and Shannon Durfee, both Republicans, are seeking the District 3 seat on the Grant County Board of Commissioners. Both candidates talked about conservative fiscal management while discussing how the county should prepare for growth. 

Raap, who works in accounting and bookkeeping and helps manage her family's farming operation, said her priorities include supporting agriculture, improving infrastructure and encouraging responsible development. 

"Agriculture is more than our livelihood; it's part of who we are," Raap said. 

Raap identified permitting delays as one of the county's most pressing concerns and said she would like to see more consistent processes within county departments. 

"One of the biggest things that I found is an issue is our permitting processes as we're building in different areas," she said. 

She also raised concerns about the county landfill and said officials should explore long-term solutions, including waste-to-energy technologies. 

During discussion of county finances, Raap said it’s important to learn department needs before making major budget decisions. 

"My job as commissioner is going to be to ask the right questions and do the work and find out the answer so that I can have an informed decision for you as a community member," she said. 

Durfee, a Quincy School Board member, former Washington State Patrol dispatcher and supervisor, and small business owner, pointed to her experience in public service and local government. 

"I understand how government operates, and more importantly, I understand the responsibility that comes with spending taxpayer dollars," Durfee said. 

Durfee said commissioners should closely examine existing county operations and budgets. 

"I think each department has areas of reduction that need to be added," she said. "I think it's one of those things that line by line it's time to go through." 

She repeatedly talked about accountability and stewardship of taxpayer funds. 

"Taxpayer dollars need to be held more accountable," Durfee said. 

When asked about the county's biggest challenges, Durfee cited state regulations, government efficiency and preparing for future growth. 

“There are so many people here that are very passionate about some of the regulations that are being passed out by the state, and I really think that we need to protect Grant County from those things,” Durfee said.  

Durfee said county leaders should focus on creating stable systems and policies before future development accelerates. 

"The county's going to grow whether we like it or not," she said. 

In her closing remarks, Durfee said effective leadership requires both collaboration and accountability. 

"You should not have to answer to government. Government should answer to you," she said.