EPHRATA — After four rounds of questions on leadership, public safety, accountability and the future of the Grant County Sheriff's Office, the Columbia Basin Herald's sheriff candidate Q&A series comes to a close. 

As Election Day approaches, voters are weighing two distinct visions for the agency's future: one built on continuing the direction of the current administration and another centered on changing its leadership approach.  

For the fifth and final installment of the Herald's five-part series, candidates Joey Kriete and Darrik Gregg were asked to make their case to voters by addressing a question often at the heart of local elections: "Many elections are framed as a choice between continuity and change. What is the strongest argument for your opponent's candidacy, and why do you believe voters should ultimately choose you instead?" 

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 strongest argument for my opponent is that he offers change. He has identified things he believes should be different and has asked voters to trust that his approach will improve the Sheriff’s Office. Voters should consider that. 

My case is different. I can ask voters to look at what we have actually accomplished. 

In less than four years, we rebuilt an agency that was short 25 employees, strengthened proactive policing, expanded our investigative and intelligence capabilities, developed partnerships addressing behavioral health and the opioid crisis, and strengthened relationships with local, state and federal partners. 

But I’m not running to preserve the status quo. Good organizations should always be improving. I’m running to build on what is working, change what needs to improve, and continue producing measurable results for our communities. 

There is a difference between promising change and having the responsibility of actually leading through it. I have had to make difficult decisions, manage limited resources, and be accountable for the results. 

Voters have a record they can examine. My commitment is to keep building on that record and continue moving the Grant County Sheriff’s Office forward. 

Gregg: The strongest argument for my opponent is his experience as the current Sheriff and the continuity that comes with keeping the existing administration in place. He has pointed to increased staffing and other accomplishments during his tenure, and I respect the work that has been done to serve Grant County. 

Where I differ is in the direction and leadership approach. I believe the Sheriff's Office needs moving forward. My campaign is centered on servant leadership, accountability, transparency, and visibility. I believe the Sheriff's Office can build on what is working while also addressing areas where employees and the community are asking for stronger communication, trust, and leadership. 

I am not running simply to change things for the sake of change. I am running to bring a leadership approach that puts people first, listens to employees, holds everyone accountable, including myself, and strengthens the relationship between the Sheriff's Office and the communities we serve. 

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. Part four, candidates considered differences in law enforcement philosophies, is available at bit.ly/GCSOPrt4.