EPHRATA — The two candidates seeking to become Grant County's next assessor presented differing visions for the office during a candidate forum hosted Wednesday at the Art Semro American Legion Post 28. 

Clayton Johnson, running with no party preference, is a current employee of the assessor's office and emphasized his nearly decade-long experience. He said his priorities would be increasing transparency, consistency in property valuations, and public trust in the department. 

Republican challenger Anson Bartrand focused on reducing costs, improving office culture and increasing efficiency, arguing that the assessor's office should operate with a stronger focus on fiscal conservatism and customer service. 

Johnson opened by highlighting his nine years of experience in the assessor's office, including work as a commercial and industrial appraiser and his current role as senior sales analyst. 

“I am not a politician. I am a public servant,” Johnson said. “I have spent the last nine years working in the assessor's office, doing the work, learning the systems and serving this community.” 

Johnson said the office needs greater consistency in property assessments and more transparency in explaining how property values are determined. 

“I've seen firsthand what happens when property assessments are inconsistent and property owners can't get a straight answer as to how their value is determined,” he said. “That's not fair to the taxpayers of Grant County, and I know we can do better.” 

Bartrand said his campaign is built around what he described as three key values: fairness, efficiency and humility. He told attendees he wants to ensure assessments are conducted fairly while making the office more responsive to taxpayers. 

“We need assessments that are fair because all levels of government rely upon them,” Bartrand said. “You, as property owners, want to make sure that your assessment is fair and that you're not being overcharged.” 

Bartrand talked about his background as chief financial officer of a land investment and management company, his law school education and his degrees in accounting and marketing management as qualifications for the position. 

Both candidates addressed the question of reducing costs in the assessor's office, though they took different approaches. 

Johnson said he would focus on improving efficiency but declined to promise specific budget reductions. 

“I'm not the type of person who's going to make claims that I can't back up,” Johnson said. “I will use the budget wisely.” 

Bartrand argued there is room to reduce spending and pointed to staffing comparisons with other counties as evidence that efficiencies could be found. 

“I've made no qualms about wanting to reduce the budget,” Bartrand said. “I'm a fiscal conservative.” 

The candidates also agreed on one point often misunderstood by voters: the assessor's office does not set tax rates. 

“The assessor's office doesn't raise taxes,” Johnson said. “That's a common misconception about the assessor's office.” 

Bartrand similarly noted that taxing districts ultimately establish tax levies and rates, though he said lower departmental costs could help reduce pressure on taxpayers. 

When discussing changes needed within the office, Johnson said he would prioritize more consistent valuations and improving employee retention. He said turnover in recent years has resulted in a loss of experience and institutional knowledge. 

“We need to change that mentality in our office so we keep people around,” Johnson said. 

Bartrand said his primary goal would be improving relationships both within the assessor's office and among county departments. 

“I want an environment in which people can communicate with each other,” Bartrand said. “I want people to work together for the taxpayers of Grant County.” 

Asked about their most important objectives over the next four years, Johnson said he wants to improve public understanding of the assessor's office and build trust through education and transparency. 

“One of my big parts of my campaign has been transparency,” Johnson said. “When you understand something, you're more likely to accept it than when you don't understand it.” 

Bartrand again pointed to office culture and budget reductions as his top priorities. 

“The most important thing by far is stopping the interdepartmental feuds and the intradepartmental feuds within the assessor's office,” he said. 

The two candidates also contrasted their professional backgrounds. 

Johnson said he has accumulated more than 250 hours of continuing education related to property assessment, appraisal standards and valuation practices during his nine years in the office. 

“I think my experience is not a question,” Johnson said. 

Bartrand acknowledged he has not completed the same appraisal-specific coursework but said his legal, accounting and private-sector management experience would prepare him for the role. 

As for leadership experience, Johnson acknowledged he has not managed employees in a professional setting but argued leadership is rooted in respect and accountability. 

“Leadership isn't rocket science,” he said. “You treat people with respect.” 

Bartrand said he has supervised five to six employees in the private sector and has experience developing and managing budgets through both business and nonprofit work. 

Ballots for the November general election have been mailed, and voters will decide the Grant County assessor race between Johnson and Bartrand. Residents can register to vote, update their address, check voter registration status and track their ballot at VoteWa.gov. For Grant County residents, the Grant County Elections Office is available to answer questions at 509-754-2011 ext. 2704.