EPHRATA — Voters choosing Grant County's next sheriff will decide between two candidates who share many of the same goals for public safety but differ on how some challenges facing modern law enforcement should be addressed. 

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, including budget pressures, staffing shortages and evolving public safety concerns, can require leaders to make decisions that are not universally popular. 

For the fourth installment of the Herald's five-part sheriff candidate Q&A series, candidates were asked: "What is one issue in law enforcement where you fundamentally disagree with your opponent, and how would that disagreement affect the way the sheriff's office operates under your leadership?" 

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. 

Gregg: The recent vote of no confidence by members of the Deputy Sheriffs' Association is an example of why I believe leadership needs to be willing to listen and take a hard look at what is happening within the organization. 

Under my leadership, employees will have a direct voice with the Sheriff. I will regularly meet with personnel throughout the agency, listen to their concerns, and work collaboratively to identify solutions. My faith will guide me in how I lead and serve others, reminding me that leadership is a responsibility to put people first, treat everyone with dignity and respect, and care for those entrusted to my leadership. I want employees to know that their concerns are not only heard but valued. Decisions will be based on what is best for our employees, the Sheriff's Office, and the public we serve. I believe strong leadership starts with listening, and when employees know their leadership has their backs, they are better positioned to serve our community effectively. 

I believe a healthy Sheriff's Office starts with trust inside the organization. When employees trust their leadership, communicate openly, and understand expectations, they are better prepared to provide the professional service Grant County residents deserve. 

Kriete: One fundamental disagreement is what accountability actually means in law enforcement. 

My opponent has made accountability a central theme of his campaign. I believe accountability has to be more than something we talk about, it has to be demonstrated. 

At the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, we maintain Washington State law enforcement accreditation by meeting more than 140 professional standards and providing documentation demonstrating our compliance. Outside assessors review our policies, practices and proofs of compliance. That is measurable accountability. 

Accountability also means making difficult decisions when they are necessary. I have made personnel and operational decisions that weren’t popular because I believed they were in the best interest of the community and the organization. Leadership cannot be driven by popularity or personal relationships. 

That is how this difference affects my leadership. I believe in clear standards, documentation, transparency, being willing to make difficult decisions, and then being accountable for those decisions myself. 

We don’t simply use “accountability” as a campaign word. We have built it into how this agency operates, and we can demonstrate it. That is the standard our community deserves. 

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. Part three, candidates outlined unpopular decisions they may face, can be found at bit.ly/GCSOPrt3.