Swartz hopes to serve

MOSES LAKE - Carolann Swartz is running for Grant County Commissioner position 2 and spoke to a crowd during a candidates' forum at Big Bend Community College Monday night.

Nearly 100 people attended the political forum.

She said she's lived in Grant County for 47 years and has operated a business for more than 30 years. Her family is comprised of multi-generation dry-land wheat farmers. For the past 33 years she's been a member of Soroptimist International, she said.

Swartz said she has participated with various educational committees and helped develop the Museum and Art Center in Moses Lake.

She said her combination of volunteer work, agricultural experience and business experience qualifies her for the position.

If elected, she wants to encourage new businesses and industry to expand in Grant County.

She said one of the most important attributes she has is her communications skill.

"I will facilitate, not dictate," Swartz said.

Forum facilitator Brian Dano asked her a series of questions prepared by the forum committee.

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

"Communication, communication and more communication," Swartz said. "That is the key to move forward."

She said the most cost effective option for county commissioners concerning the sewer system would have been to connect to Moses Lake utilities. Swartz said the new system installed at the fairgrounds is ineffective and costly and said it malfunctioned at the rodeo grounds.

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

Swartz said she is fiscally conservative and would prefer to cut expenses. She said she would make sure services paid for by the county are necessary and are the best price.

Dano asked her how she would improve the office if elected.

"I like to solve issues," Swartz said.

She said she would work to make county departments function together better for more production.

"We can make wonderful things happen and I intend to take that enthusiasm to the office," she said.

Dano then began reading questions written by the audience.

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

Swartz said perimeters to protect the environment are necessary for the growth management plan to combat global warming and conserve wildlife habitat.

She said she supports the man-made fish habitats created near Mar Don because it preserves wildlife and attracts tourism.

"This will be really good for our future generations to be able to fish," Swartz said.

She said some of the best environmental conservatives are sportsmen and hunters.

Dano asked her if the county should implement curbside recycling.

Swartz said recycling should be implemented but must be economically feasible. She said she believes there will be a curbside program implemented eventually.

Swartz said recycling used tires and using them to construct roads is a good idea because it makes the roads quieter and reuses materials.

"I think it's really worth looking into," she said.

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

Swartz said she wasn't sure because she doesn't currently serve the board of commissioners.

She said she there is a lack of animal control and it is an issue.

She said there are dangerous animals in the county but there must be more personal responsibility on behalf of pet owners.

Dano asked how she would increase revenue without raising taxes.

Swartz said she would evaluate county departments and make financial cuts to make them more efficient.

"I believe in cutting first before you ever think about raising taxes," she said.

She said she blames the county for misusing public defense leaving them to settle a lawsuit requiring them to hire contract attorneys for felony offenses.

Swartz said from 2001 to 2007, the county's budget for indigent defense went from $697,000 to $2.4 million due to the lawsuit.

She said she would rather spend money on hiring more police officers instead of hiring attorneys to defend criminals.

Dano asked her if nuclear power was a reasonable power solution for Grant County and Washington state.

Swartz said she does not have a lot of information about nuclear power but is in favor of it.

She said if nuclear power can be used in Europe effectively, it can be used in Grant County as well.

Swartz claims Republican party affiliation.