EPHRATA — As Grant County continues to experience growth, development pressures and increasing demands on public services, voters will choose this fall who will represent District 3 on the Grant County Commission. The race pits challenger Kelly Raap, a lifelong county resident with a background in agriculture and bookkeeping, against Shannon Durfee, who cites experience in emergency services, healthcare, education and public-sector leadership. 

The Columbia Basin Herald asked both candidates a series of questions about their priorities for the county, economic development, public safety and the challenges they believe Grant County will face in the years ahead. In Part 1 of this two-part Q&A, Raap and Durfee discuss why they are running, the issues they would prioritize if elected and their views on balancing growth with the needs of agriculture and rural communities. 

Responses are published largely as submitted, with minor edits for style and clarity. 

Ballots must be postmarked or returned to an official ballot drop box by Nov. 3. Voters can verify their registration status and access election information through VoteWA.gov. Grant County voters may also contact the Grant County Elections Office at 509-754-2011 ext. 2704 with election-related questions. 

Question: Why did you decide to run for Grant County commissioner, and why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent county residents over the next four years? 

Durfee: I decided to run because my working career has prepared me to serve Grant County in this role. Through leadership positions and years working in taxpayer-funded organizations, I have developed a strong understanding of public service, budgets, accountability, and the responsibility that comes with making decisions on behalf of others. 

My experience in emergency services, education, healthcare, and small business has given me a broad perspective on the needs of our county. I believe I have developed the skills, knowledge, and judgment needed to be an effective commissioner, and I’m ready to put that experience to work serving the people of Grant County. 

I have spent this campaign attending meetings, studying county issues, and listening to residents throughout Grant County. I understand that this job requires preparation, availability, and a willingness to ask difficult questions. 

If elected, I intend to serve full time. I will bring common sense, independent judgment, and a strong work ethic to the office. My responsibility is to the people of Grant County, and I will take that responsibility seriously. 

Raap: Four years ago, when I learned that our current District 3 Commissioner would not be seeking reelection in 2026, I was encouraged to consider running. After thoughtful consideration with my husband and family, and with encouragement from friends and community members, I decided to seek this office.  

As a lifelong Grant County resident, I care deeply about our county and its future. I believe my agricultural background, combined with over 33 years of bookkeeping and budgeting experience, provides a strong foundation for serving as County Commissioner.  

Agriculture is vital to our county’s economy and identity. My lifelong involvement in farming and ranching gives me firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing our agricultural community. I will work to ensure agriculture has a voice in decisions regarding land, water, infrastructure and future growth.  

I bring a strong work ethic, a willingness to listen and learn, and a commitment to being accessible and responsive to all Grant County residents. 

Question: If elected, what is the single most important issue you would work on during your first term, and what specific actions would you take to address it? 

Raap: This is a difficult question as there are a few issues that I would like to address and work on improving. One of my top priorities would be improving the efficiency of Grant County’s permitting process.  

Throughout my campaign, I’ve heard concerns from Home Builders Associations, realtors, contractors, homeowners and business owners regarding permitting delays that have resulted in additional costs and frustrations. 

My first step would be to meet with county department leadership and employees to better understand the current procedures, identify obstacles and explore ways to streamline the process. I would also seek input from those who regularly work through the permitting system. 

I’ve heard one of the causes of these delays involves employee turnover and inconsistencies in how permitting requirements are interpreted. I would support establishing clear, standardized guidelines and procedures to provide consistency, regardless of staffing changes.  

My goal would be to improve communication, establish reasonable expectations, and create a more efficient, predictable permitting process while maintaining necessary regulations and safeguards. I believe county government should be responsive, consistent, and accountable to the residents and businesses it serves. 

Durfee: My top priority is making sure county government operates efficiently and responsibly with the resources taxpayers already provide. That is the foundation for maintaining roads, supporting public safety and preparing for growth without continually placing more pressure on families. 

I would begin by working with elected officials, department leaders, and staff to review the budget, staffing needs, and processes that affect costs and service. I would ask where delays occur, where work is duplicated, and whether existing technology and resources are being used effectively. 

Planning and permitting would be a particular focus. Residents and businesses deserve clear requirements, timely communication and a process they can understand and navigate. 

Customer service must also be a priority throughout county government. Taxpayers deserve courtesy and respect, even when an office cannot provide the answer they hoped for. I would advocate for clear service expectations, responsive communication, and follow-through. Public service should reflect pride in the work and respect for the people we serve. 

Before asking taxpayers for more, county government should be able to explain what it has done to make the most of what it already has. 

Question: Grant County continues to grow through new industries, data centers and energy projects. How would you balance economic development with protecting farmland, water resources and the rural character of local communities? 

Durfee: Growth should benefit the people who already call Grant County home. New industries, data centers and energy projects should bring clear, lasting benefits to taxpayers through a stronger tax base, good jobs and infrastructure improvements. Those benefits must be weighed against the costs placed on roads, water resources and public services. 

I support economic development that respects private property rights, protects productive farmland and preserves the rural character of our communities. That requires thoughtful planning, clear permitting processes and early input from the people most affected. 

I would also stand up for Grant County against government overreach and impractical mandates from Olympia. State policies too often overlook the realities of rural communities or place costly requirements on local taxpayers. I would advocate for local decision-making and challenge proposals that impose burdens without meaningful local benefits. 

For any major project, I would ask: What does this mean for our residents, who pays for the impacts, and what lasting value does it bring? Growth should strengthen our county’s finances and quality of life. Taxpayers deserve to see real benefits from the changes happening around them. 

Raap: As I have mentioned many times throughout my campaign, I believe in protecting our agriculture community while supporting responsible, balanced growth. Agriculture is the foundation of Grant County’s economy and heritage, and we must recognize the importance of preserving our farmland, water resources, and rural communities while welcoming new industries and opportunities. 

I believe an important responsibility of a county commissioner is building relationships with community members, leaders and those involved in economic development. While I don’t claim to have all the answers, I am committed to thoroughly understanding our county’s Growth Management Plan and evaluating how proposed development will impact our communities. 

As a lifelong resident of Grant County, I’ve established relationships with many knowledgeable individuals whose experience and perspectives I value. I will continue seeking input from these individuals, industry leaders, and residents throughout the county.  

My commitment is to do my due diligence, carefully consider both the benefits and potential impacts of growth, and make informed decisions that serve the best interests of Grant County residents while preserving the resources and rural character that make our county special. 

Question: Public safety agencies across Grant County face challenges related to staffing, funding and increasing service demands. What role should the county play in supporting law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical services? 

Durfee: Public safety is near and dear to my heart. I am married to a firefighter, work in a hospital district, and have worked in and alongside law enforcement throughout my career, including ten years as a 911 dispatcher. I understand the demands on responders and their families, and how much residents depend on them when help is needed. 

The county’s role is to responsibly fund its public safety obligations, support coordination between agencies, and plan for increasing service demands. Commissioners must listen to those doing the work and respect the operational responsibilities of each agency. 

I would support practical partnerships, shared resources, and grant opportunities that help agencies stretch their dollars and improve service. We should also consider emergency access and demands on law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services when evaluating growth and infrastructure needs. 

Taxpayers deserve reliable emergency services, and responders deserve a county government that listens and follows through. I would bring firsthand understanding and a strong commitment to that responsibility. 

Raap: Public safety is one of the most important services provided in Grant County. I have tremendous respect and appreciation for the men and women who dedicate themselves to protecting and serving our communities.  

As county commissioner, my responsibility would be to build strong working relationships with public safety leadership, listen to their concerns, and understand their staffing, equipment, training and funding needs. My goal would be to ensure these essential services receive the resources necessary to respond effectively to the needs of our growing communities.  

With my background in budgeting and financial management, I would work to prioritize public safety funding while maintaining fiscal responsibility. When additional resources are needed, I would explore opportunities to adjust budget priorities, pursue available grants, and advocate for additional funding.  

Law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services, and mental health are invaluable to the safety and well-being of Grant County residents. Supporting these services, maintaining open communication with their leadership, and working toward sustainable funding solutions would remain among one of my highest priorities.