Future growth highlights old fashioned political rally in Ephrata

by Brad W. Gary<br>Herald Staff Writer
| August 24, 2006 9:00 PM

More than 100 attend forum

EPHRATA — The word "growth" peppered speeches Wednesday as candidates stumped to more than 100 people at the Grant County Historical Museum.

Designed as an old fashioned political rally, Wednesday night's forum provided a rail car podium, and five minutes for candidates to talk to voters.

Incumbents touted the changes they have made to accommodate a growing county, and challengers used the word to describe their plan to work with the increased population.

At the Grant County Public Utility District, candidate Dale Walker mentioned his experience in the economic development council, Grant County Planning Commission and as a longtime farmer. He said the PUD has been treated as a private institution and needing to be fixed.

Fellow challenger for the B at-large position, Bob Bernd of Moses Lake, said as a business owner he knows the importance of applying sound business practices. He proposed using the PUD's large cash reserves to give money back to the rate payers in a rate reduction. He added the PUD should deliver fiber to everyone who wants it.

"We need to plan how we will meet our needs, and we need to do it now," Bernd later said, referring to long-range vision.

But incumbent PUD Commissioner Bill Bjork said the utility needs to be careful with how they build fiber.

"I think fiber is great, I think fiber is one of the visions of the future," Bjork said, but added he still wants to see a proper business plan before any build out.

Bjork mentioned his work to get unwarranted sales taxes on fiber wiped off the PUD's rolls. He added the PUD needs to keep money in it's reserve and contingency fund to prepare in case of low water years.

Terry Brewer said on the verge of county growth the PUD needs commissioners to be strong leaders. Brewer, the Grant County Economic Development Council executive director, is one of four people vying for the PUD commission District No. 1 seat of retiring commissioner Vera Claussen.

"Customers want fiber built out," Brewer said. "I will work hard to keep rates low, work hard to build out the fiber system for all those who want it."

Fellow District 1 candidate Ron Baker, a longtime engineer, said he is a retired person who can do the job, and said he doesn't have any conflicts to preclude him from doing it. He called relicensing the PUD's highest priority, but also praised fiber.

"I believe it's a diamond in the rough for Grant County and I think we ought to develop that diamond," Baker said.

District 1 candidate Alan Cain of Grand Coulee has been a fiber and wireless provider in Grand Coulee for the last several years, and said as a businessman every cent he spends needs to go for good benefit. He said there are other ways to build out Zipp besides stringing fiber to every home.

"I'm way (in favor) for the build out of the Zipp project, but the Zipp project has to pay for itself," Cain said. "It cannot be a burden to the rest of the ratepayers."

District 1 PUD candidate David Stevens did not come to the forum

Grant County Commissioner candidate Eric Briggs said growth is putting pressure on county offices, who then have to grow quickly to balance the needs. He added it is important to have economic growth, but also important to protect the agricultural roots of the county.

Briggs faces Cindy Carter of Royal City in the Republican county commissioner primary. Carter said the people need better representation, adding that growth management issues need to be addressed. She cited her role in fighting for her neighbors in Royal City against the odorous pollutants of a nearby dairy, addressing that she would fight for the needs of residents.

County clerk candidate Kimberly Allen cited her seven years of experience in the clerk's office and work in the legal profession in saying she would be a working clerk.

"I know that I can make the clerk's office better for you as taxpayers," Allen said.

Allen faces incumbent Clerk Ken Kunes in the Republican primary, after Kunes switched from the Democratic party to run for re-election. Kunes cited his eight years of experience as clerk, mentioning 21st century updates which he has implemented in the office. Kunes said he had a passion to help citizens, calling himself a working clerk.

Incumbent Grant County Auditor Bill Varney touted the updates which have taken place since he started in the office, as well as county changes like the recent switch to all-mail elections. He said he feels his experience would be helpful for the office.

Republican auditor challenger Dan Stout said with companies like Microsoft and Yahoo! coming, the county is going to get bigger, and the department needs to become more efficient. He said he wants to bring new blood to the office.

Assessor Laure Grammer has 17 years of experience in the assessor's office, and said she works to apply laws fairly and equitably, also noting the automated processes most of the office uses and the GIS map system which allows citizens to look up most county properties.

Grammer faces fellow Republican Norm Lancaster in September's primary. Lancaster works for Bishop Spray and mentioned business administration experience in saying he felt he could do the assessor job.

Treasurer Darryl Pheasant has been in the position for 20 years, and the Democrat said to accommodate growth the people with the most experience should be in office.

"In the next four years, Grant County is going to go crazy," Pheasant said, adding the county has to make sure that growth happens without any problems.

Pheasant's challenger, Republican Todd Buys of Quincy, was not present.

Kittitas County Democrat Lisa Bowen cited the health care and education system, and cited representing rural communities as her reason for running for the 13th District Senate seat. Bowen said she is running because she felt rural families need a voice in Olympia.

Bowen faces current Republican state Rep. Janea Holmquist, who is leaving the House for a run at the state senate. The Moses Lake Republican said she wants to continue to address pro-business and tort reforms, but said her proudest moment was working with the farm bureau for an expansion of biofuels standards.

In the race for the 13th District House seat Holmquist is vacating, Moses Lake Republican Judy Warnick touted her experience representing small businesses in Olympia for the last 12 years. Warnick stated her concerns about eminent domain and support for property rights, encouraging more insurance companies to come to the state, maintenance of public lands and accountability in education.

Fellow state representative candidate and former Kittitas County commissioner Max Golladay stated his support for local control and local expertise, adding that people in the 13th district suffer the same kinds of issues district wide. He stated his concern about the Growth Management Act, which he said has been left out of local control.

Candidates for the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and unopposed candidates also spoke to the crowd.