Q&A: Moses Lake City Council Position 7 candidates

MOSES LAKE — Incumbent David Skaug is facing Elisia Dalluge for Moses Lake City Council Position 7.

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 around Oct. 18. Early voting opens Oct. 20.

What prompted you to run for city council?

Dalluge: I made a promise to my dad before he lost his battle to cancer that I would stop being behind the scenes and step up in a political position. It's my calling. It's my purpose. It's my birthright. Thank you.

Experience matters!

We currently have some complex issues that need my experience and political connections to balance the unprecedented growth and infrastructure necessities.

My longstanding experience and leadership in politics volunteering is untouchable. I have not only been educated in politics but also been trained by many esteemed friends and colleagues on every level of government. I have been trained in mediation and understand the importance of finding common grounds to serve in the best interest of all people, from all backgrounds. I am blessed to get to work on many policies on every level.

I love only implementing policies that balance the primary needs of all and not just a select few. I just love politics and philanthropy and am grateful for the many opportunities to help locals, counties, Washington state and states, both nationally and worldwide.

Skaug: Having been a lifelong resident in Moses Lake, I was approached last fall to run for a vacant position. With a long family history of civic involvement, it was time for me personally to be involved. I feel that I have a very good understanding of our local community and what is important to the citizens of Moses Lake.

What are the biggest challenges you believe the city faces?

Dalluge: Money: Inexperience has led to losing money and local taxes. My experience, not yet on the council, recently has saved money, recovered tax revenue, and found state/federal money to help cover costs. If I didn't our taxes would be raised and millions of dollars lost.

Infrastructure: We have unprecedented, huge growth that needs balance and connections. We need more police and firefighters/EMTs. I love them and the safety they provide us.

We have three water issues that intertwine: a drinking water shortage, PFAS toxins in some of our wells and toxic green algae in our lakes. For years, I have been working on funding, solutions and, yippy, now I will also be helping with upcoming legislation.

I already activate solutions. We also need to work together to tackle our homelessness and business vandalism/theft and garbage by a few bad apples. The homeless don't want them doing that either. The police are bound by governing laws that have tied their hands. We need accountability, mental health and drug rehab care. We need to work together to succeed and provide stability. I already work with lots of nonprofits and churches. I already advocate for funding. I already feed the hungry.

Skaug: Our water and infrastructure issues have been inadequately addressed in the past. We have some serious and expensive challenges facing us. Customer service is also a challenge. We need to understand what works and change what doesn’t. We will need to make some very bold and forward-looking decisions.

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

Dalluge: This is my town. I want to see our rare desert oasis beauty shine and flourish with the best of care. Blessings brought in new businesses for our economy; I wrote a lead letter to support the restoration of REC Silicon, tax incentives, grants plus more.

I will continue to do the same as I always do and shift and pivot where necessary to effectuate success, continue to let my light shine and grow in political leadership like I have been trained to do, and use my experience in politics and humanitarian care to serve the best interests of all people.

I will continue to uphold our constitutions, find the money so our taxes aren’t locally raised burdening Moses Lake citizens, help balance the needs of the people and our government, help with our water issues, stand up for those who are most vulnerable, implement policies where necessary that don’t infringe on our freedoms, focus on harmony and healthy relations, stand in leadership and call out corruption, work to find solutions, be a good role model for our youth and help others elevate into more success in serving the best interests of all people from all backgrounds. I will continue to be your voice!

Skaug: Goals and challenges are really the same question. My goals are to address the challenges. Having been involved in construction for over 50 years, I am keenly aware of the importance of customer service and the need to address problems quickly and efficiently.

I have appreciated the opportunity to have served on the present city council and look forward to serving for the next four years.

How can the public contact you?

Dalluge: Well if I am not at the Presbyterian Church or Restore City Church or special events at other churches or praise and worship events, chamber events, public meetings, library, park or always out volunteering in the community you can call or email me. You are always welcome at church and volunteering is so super fun!

It’s okay to be frustrated but it is not okay to verbally abuse me. And I have no tolerance for bullying. Okie Dokie. Thank you.

509-431-3020. lisa.eklund@yahoo.com.

Skaug: The best way to contact me is through email: dskaug05@gmail.com.