EPHRATA — Leadership has emerged as one of the central themes in the race for Grant County sheriff, with incumbent Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg offering voters different visions for the future of the agency.

As voters are preparing to cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 general election, the Columbia Basin Herald asked both candidates a series of questions on issues facing the sheriff's office and the county.  

In this first installment of a five-part candidate Q&A series, Kriete and Gregg were asked to identify what they believe is the biggest leadership challenge facing the Grant County Sheriff's Office and how their approach to addressing it differs from their opponent's. 

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

Kriete: The biggest leadership issue facing the Grant County Sheriff’s Office today is preparing our next generation of leaders. We have a young agency, and many of our first-line supervisors and mid-level managers have less than ten years of experience. 

That is where my approach differs from my opponent’s. He has emphasized being visible and working alongside deputies. That has value, but leadership development has to go further. Our supervisors already know how to take calls, investigate crimes, and do the job. 

My responsibility isn’t simply to show employees I can still do their job. It’s to prepare them to someday do mine. 

That means developing leaders who can have difficult conversations, manage conflict, mentor employees, make sound personnel and organizational decisions, and hold people accountable. We need to prepare first-level supervisors to become mid-level leaders and mid-level leaders to become executive-level managers. 

With more than 33 years of experience and decades in leadership, I have a responsibility to pass that experience forward. I want this agency stronger when I leave than when I arrived, with capable leaders ready to take over. 

Our employees and our community deserve nothing less. 

Gregg: I believe the biggest leadership issue facing the Grant County Sheriff’s Office today is building trust through strong communication, accountability, and visibility. The men and women of the Sheriff’s Office are its greatest asset, and they deserve leadership that listens to them, supports them and values their contributions. I have almost 24 years of law enforcement and leadership experience, along with a business management degree, that will help shape my leadership. 

My approach is different because I believe in servant leadership. Leadership is not about holding a title or sitting behind a desk; it is about being present, listening to your employees, understanding the challenges they face and giving them the tools and support they need to succeed. As Sheriff, I will be visible and engaged with our deputies, corrections staff and support staff, while also being accessible to the communities we serve. 

I respect my opponent’s service and experience, but I believe Grant County needs a fresh approach to leadership. I will prioritize open communication and accountability at every level, including holding myself accountable. 

When you take care of your people, they are better equipped to take care of our community. That is the Sheriff's Office I will work to build.