Q&A: Soap Lake mayoral candidates

SOAP LAKE — Incumbent Mayor Michelle Agliano is running against Allen DuPuy for the position of Mayor of Soap Lake.

The Columbia Basin Herald asked each candidate the questions below with matching word count restrictions and a deadline to submit responses. The newspaper encourages voters to contact the candidates if they want to discuss issues in more depth.

Responses are in alphabetical order according to the candidates’ last names.

Election Day is Nov. 7; ballots will be mailed to voters Oct. 18. Early voting opens Oct. 20.

What prompted you to run for Mayor?

Agliano: I was appointed to the position of Mayor in June of 2022. I am running for election because of the love I have for this city. There are things I haven’t seen to completion – building up the Soap Lake Community Prevention Coalition; improving our parks through a local parks maintenance grant; improving athletic competitiveness through a grant by putting lights on the new basketball court, improving the soccer fields and nets and improving the skateboard park. I am running to help the city of Soap Lake to thrive.

DuPuy: The belief that I can make a change for the betterment of the community. My wife and I have lived in Soap Lake for over 18 years and are in our 10th year operating a business in the city. I want to build a team approach to addressing issues the city faces. There are some very talented and energetic people that live and work here and we can draw from their life experiences to create our common goals.

What are the biggest challenges you believe the city faces?

Agliano: The biggest challenges I believe the city faces are fiscal. We were hit with findings by the State Auditor’s Office to improve training of all city employees, especially those in City Hall, as well as separating asset management from other departments back to City Hall and segregation of duties. Most of these items have been addressed or are in the process of being rectified. Fiscally, the city’s revenues must be in line with expenses. Over the last few years, expenses have skyrocketed. Garbage costs have risen. Water and Sewer costs have gone up, but rates have not risen appropriately. We were advised over a year ago by our fiscal consultants and city engineers this city needs to raise the rates and fees to match the rise in expenses and to build up the capital fund to meet any city improvements, without any more loans. The city needs to maintain the current needs of the residents and to grow with plans for expansion and development.

DuPuy: Soap Lake has seen growth in its housing starts, and with that growth, there will be challenges to keep up with infrastructure upgrades. The city has been approached with plans and ideas for future growth and my administration will want to keep ahead of the curve to ensure that we can meet those needs. Some of our streets are in disrepair and I want to continue to work with our partners to stay on top of this issue.

What are the primary goals you hope to achieve if elected?

Agliano: My vision for this city is to be known as a city of honesty, integrity and transparency. This applies to all departments and leadership – City Hall, the Police Department and Public Works, their individual staff members as well as the Mayor and council members. My vision is to see this city recognized as a certified creative arts district. Building our downtown businesses; attracting new businesses; new families and job opportunities. To see our city become a mecca for people locally and beyond our boundaries. Encouraging growth in and the promotion of our city. I have a vision to encourage our city to become known for sharing and caring, creating an attitude and viewpoint of a neighbor taking care of a neighbor. A sense and actuality, not just a dream. There are many people who need help going to the post office, getting groceries, cleaning their homes or even caring for their yards or shoveling snow. Let’s build up our neighborhoods! Help each other take care of our home – the city of Soap Lake.

DuPuy: I live by the credo, ‘If you can’t increase your income, you have to decrease your outgo.’ The city of Soap Lake paid FCS Group Consultants for a citywide financial analysis in September of 2022. In conclusion, the group determined that in the long term, expenditures outpaced revenue growth, which is not sustainable! In our recent state audit dated Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec. 31, 2021, the Washington State Auditor’s first statement is “The city’s deteriorating financial position places it at risk of not meeting its financial obligations.” We must get our finances under control. This is first and foremost the primary goal.

How can the public contact you?

Agliano: I can be contacted via phone at 509-594-0807, via email at michelleformayor2024@gmail.com and via mail at PO Box 683, Soap Lake, WA 98851.

DuPuy: As many of you know, my wife and I operate a business serving the community at 51 S.

Division Street. Citizens can reach me in person or by phone at 509-350-9265. My door is always open.