EPHRATA — As Grant County voters prepare to choose their next sheriff, they are weighing not only each candidate's vision for the department but also how they would handle difficult decisions that may draw criticism from employees, elected officials or members of the public. 

The Columbia Basin Herald posed a series of questions to candidates Joey Kriete and Darrik Gregg about issues facing the Grant County Sheriff's Office and the broader community. Some challenges facing the agency, including budget pressures, staffing needs and operational priorities, can require leaders to make decisions that are not universally popular. 

For the third installment of the Herald's five-part sheriff candidate Q&A series, candidates were asked: "If elected, what is one decision you would make in your first six months that would likely be unpopular with some employees, elected officials or members of the public, but that you believe is necessary?" 

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 the county elections office at 509-754-2011 ext. 2704. 

Kriete: The most likely difficult decision will involve how we allocate limited resources. We will enter a new budget year with several funding unknowns while continuing the transition into our new jail, filling critical positions, and maintaining public safety operations across the county. 

I can’t responsibly tell you today exactly what will need to be reduced, delayed, or prioritized before I have the budget and operational information in front of me. But I can tell you how I will make that decision. 

My priority will be maintaining the core services that protect our communities and ensuring our operations are financially sustainable. That may mean saying no to a program, position, equipment request, or assignment that employees or members of the community strongly support. 

Those decisions won’t always be popular, but leadership isn’t about promising everyone what they want. It’s about making responsible decisions with the resources taxpayers provide us. 

I have spent the last four years balancing operational needs with fiscal responsibility. I will continue to be transparent about those decisions, explain why they are necessary, and put the safety of our communities and the long-term strength of this organization first. 

Gregg: One decision I would make during my first six months is to conduct a comprehensive review of the Sheriff's Office, including staffing, policies, response times, spending, and communication between leadership and employees. Depending on what that review reveals, I may need to change existing policies, responsibilities, or procedures, which could be unpopular with some employees or elected officials. 

I understand change can be uncomfortable, but as Sheriff, my responsibility is to make decisions based on what is best for public safety, our employees, and the citizens of Grant County, not simply what is easiest or most popular. 

I will listen to the concerns of our employees, elected officials, and community members before making significant changes. However, I will not shy away from difficult decisions when they are necessary to improve the Sheriff's Office. 

My commitment is to lead with accountability and fairness. I will explain the reasons behind my decisions, take responsibility for the outcomes, and ensure that every change is focused on building a more effective, professional, and accountable Sheriff's Office for all of Grant County. 

Missed the earlier installments? Part one of the Columbia Basin Herald's sheriff candidate Q&A series explored the candidates' leadership styles and can be found at bit.ly/GCSOPrt1. Part two, which asked candidates how they handle criticism, is available at bit.ly/GCSOPrt2.