Liebrecht wants to give voice to citizens

MOSES LAKE — Councilmember incumbent James “Jim” Liebrecht is running for re-election to Moses Lake City Council position five to make sure the citizen’s concerns are heard.

“Involvement in city government is the right of all its citizens, I am just exercising that right,” he stated. “I am not in for personal gain, but to do the best to ensure its citizens are heard in a fair manner and with respect.”

Liebrecht explained his experience on the planning commission and four years as a councilmember help him continue to represent the citizens.

“The last four years as councilman has been very educational, not everything is as it seems,” he stated. “It isn’t always the popular choice to make, when you have to stand up for what is right. I think I have proven with past voting, I am not afraid to do that.”

His goal, if re-elected, is to listen to citizens’ concerns.

“Hopefully I have proven my promise in the last four years by standing strong,” Liebrecht stated.

He stated he sees the economy as a challenge for city leaders and the position.

“It will be necessary to prioritize the most important projects and make necessary cuts when needed,” he stated. “It is important to spend our tax dollars wisely.”

Liebrecht asks citizens to vote for him if they are satisfied with his past decisions on city matters.

He explained his views on the city ordinance regulating the placement of signs on city property.

“I believe the misunderstanding is, it isn’t just the city’s property,” he stated. “It belongs also, ultimately, to the citizens. The ordinance that is presently in place has worked for over a decade. Political signs are a part of our freedom of speech. They have been a part of our lives for a few months every year. I feel they should continue as they have been allowed in the past.”

Liebrecht explained he does not believe there should be restrictions placed on certain dog breeds. Although he voted in favor of the ordinance placing restrictions on pit bulls, rottweilers and presa canarios, he said it was because he was more interested in insurance requirements on dogs deemed hazardous. In November he explained he was concerned with certain dogs capable of exerting enough pressure to maim or kill someone. He suggested regulating dogs capable of exerting that pressure and said the dog owner must be held liable if their animal attacks someone.

Liebrecht supports the photo enforced red light cameras.

“They are working,” he stated. “When people know they are watched, they act accordingly.”

He explained his views on code enforcement use concerning weeds, excess vehicles and pets.

“It comes down to being the responsibility of the property, pet or vehicle owner,” Liebrecht stated. “We need to have respect for our neighbors. In extreme cases, I can see intervention.”

He stated using the general fund and possibly the water and sewer fund is the fair way to fund the federally mandated storm water treatment plan requirement.

“If there is still a gap to fill, then and only then, tax the citizen,” he stated. “But equally, don’t expect the business community to bear the brunt of the burden.”