Allison seeks re-election

MOSES LAKE - Grant County Commissioner LeRoy Allison spoke about his candidacy at the Monday forum at Big Bend Community College.

He told the audience of nearly 100 people that he hopes to be re-elected because he wants to continue to work for citizens and be a part of the 2009 county centennial celebration.

He said the county is constantly improving.

"The team Grant County concept has blossomed," Allison said.

County departments including the treasurer, auditor, assessor, court and the board of commissioners are working together to make the county more efficient.

He said the Grant County Mental Health facilities are second to none.

Allison said the road system and the solid waste division within public works are also improving.

Forum facilitator Brian Dano asked him a series of questions prepared by a committee.

He asked him how he would resolve the conflict between the county and the City of Moses Lake concerning the fairgrounds sewer system.

Allison said commissioners and the City of Moses Lake negotiated the sewer system issue for more than one year but could not reach an agreement.

The city refused to allow the fairgrounds to connect to the city sewer system without annexation, Allison said.

Fairground committees told commissioners they were concerned about annexing the fairgrounds because the traditional uses of the fair could be compromised. He said livestock is not permitted in the city and faced elimination from the fairgrounds once it was inside the city.

Due to the annexation requirement, the county chose to move forward with sewer improvements on their own, he said. There is one operational sewer system and four more will be completed.

Dano asked him if he would raise taxes, lower expenses or both to deal with budget issues.

Allison said he is a conservative spender and would rather limit expenses than increase taxes.

Medical costs for county employee insurance coverage are increasing and could result in a 12 percent spending increase. He said commissioners are working to find a solution to lower the expense.

Dano asked him how he would improve the office if re-elected.

Allison said he's been improving county departments during his service.

A human resources department was recently implemented. A plan identifying strengths and weaknesses at the county level was also implemented, he said. Insurance and liability costs and risks are evaluated and acted on proactively.

Dano then began reading questions written by the audience.

He asked Allison why commissioners have difficulty working with cities including officials with the City of Moses Lake.

He said Moses Lake seems to get the most press.

"Any discrepancies we have with the city shows up in the media," Allison said.

He said the county works with cities to benefit citizens.

The county has chip-sealed several city roads and provided $200,000 per year to the Port of Moses Lake to help manage the commingling of industrial water and Moses Lake water.

"We will work with the City of Moses Lake," he said.

Dano asked what he would do to create more conservative environmental policies concerning wildlife habitat and global warming.

He said there is a lot of legislative pressure to implement land use regulations into the growth management plan. He said he is unsure about the cost but expects it to be high and it could be detrimental to agricultural issues including transportation.

Allison said he hopes it does not become a mandatory element for the management plan.

Dano asked if the county should implement curbside recycling.

Allison said it depends if there is a market for certain types of recycling because it's expensive.

He said paper is recycled at the Grant County Courthouse. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee obtained a grant to crush glass to recycle it. The county recycles steel and has a garbage separation program in place.

Dano asked him why there aren't enough animal control officers and why there is a lack of training.

Allison said there is one animal control officer but all law enforcement can respond to are issues concerning dangerous animals. He said animal control relative to human safety is a priority.

Dano asked how he would increase revenue without raising taxes.

Allison said there is a 1 percent property tax collection increase cap. Allison said Grant County is growing and there is a steady stream of new construction permits. The county can collect taxes on all new construction.

"Raising taxes is a last resort," he said.

Dano asked him if nuclear power is a reasonable power solution for Grant County and Washington state.

Allison said nuclear energy is a viable resource but he is concerned with how the waste is disposed.

Allison claims Republican Party affiliation.