Q&A: Moses Lake City Council Position 7

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. Early voting opens Oct. 20.

What specific changes do you plan to help make, if any, to law enforcement and public safety in Moses Lake?

Dalluge: Changes to law enforcement and public safety that I will make when elected are exactly what I have been doing and will continue to. Groundbreaking for the new jail is expected to start in a few months thanks to our collaborated efforts to pass the L&J tax by the people. I also advocated the importance and fully supported MLPD in getting approval for a new building. As a longstanding CO volunteer for the FBI and through the DHS and DOJ, I also get to send over free training for police, public materials and other educational tools to MLPD and GCSO. I always kick over grant opportunities when they are sent to me.

We need to pass the Fire Impact fee to help our firefighters/EMTs. It’s a one-time minimal fee new buildings/homes will have to pay. We never needed to before, but it is necessary now, and if we don’t it will affect the fire department’s response time and that will make everyone's insurance go up. I believe that new builds should pay the one-time fee vs. everyone every year paying more in insurance. I also advocate for them to get grants to help offset local taxes, which saves local taxpayers money.

Skaug: I grew up in Moses Lake when homes weren’t locked and keys were left in the ignition. The police and firemen were most likely a little league baseball coach. As a growing city, while those personal relationships may have changed, now more than ever we need those relationships. I want to see more opportunities for our public safety personnel to interact with the local population, especially in the high school-aged group. We need more accountability and consequences. That especially needs to apply to those who show little or no regard for the rights and property of others.

I know many of the people who serve in the public safety fields. They are top-notch! While not offering a blank check, I will fully support them, listen and seek input to make decisions. I will work to ensure that although we may never be back in “Mayberry,” we can feel safe and secure in Moses Lake.

Moses Lake is seeing much growth – do you believe the city needs to improve its infrastructure to support this growth, and how would you make that happen?

Dalluge: Absolutely, 100%, yes!

We have to expand our infrastructure in proper consideration and balance. Our police, firefighters/EMTs, water, roads, etc., just to name a few. We need to take care of our most basic essential expansions now, possibly take on a bit of debt that will be wiped out and in the plush once our businesses get up and going and we see those revenues.

We can’t expand our water if we don’t have any. Water conservation is priority (WOTUS).

While I’m pro new homes I do believe it to be irresponsible for more for-profit homes to be built until such solutions are implemented. There needs to be a balance between affordable housing and for-profit homes; otherwise, it will exacerbate and exasperate our homeless crisis, and that is going to cost us lots of money we don’t have. I will continue to do what I already am doing. I’m the one who has the education, experience, training and connections in politics to best help. If you ask me about cars I will refer you to a mechanic because that is the smart thing to do. I serve in the best interest of all people from all backgrounds!

Skaug: Infrastructure, Infrastructure, Infrastructure — we dropped the ball some years ago and now we have to catch up. That means tough, bold and costly decisions need to be made. While I am excited about the growth potential that we are experiencing. I believe that one of the greatest infrastructure issues facing us today is all about water. Living in the “Dessert Oasis,” in the heart of the Columbia Basin Reclamation project, I am having difficulty understanding why our present water issues have gotten so out of hand. “Deep water rights,” “shallow water rights,” Sr. vs. Jr. “surface water,” “PFAS” issues, present vs proposed EPA standards — I fully support actively challenging the status quo, pushing the envelope, asking forgiveness, but get to the bottom of the water issue and move on into the future. I support encouraging new business development. We should provide city services that promote, not obstruct, sound opportunities for growth that provide more jobs and higher wages.

In your opinion, what are Moses Lake’s strengths and how do you plan on capitalizing them?

Dalluge: I already do. While I was on a worldwide clean energy business meeting a few years ago, I was a key part in encouraging multiple multi-billion dollar businesses to look at coming here, with immediate commitments even before our city knew. Being the only Elisia Dalluge, Lisa from Moses Lake, worldwide, I just told them the truth ...

“I love my Moses Lake, a small town hidden oasis, in a central hub. We have a rich history embedded with the native indigenous people in our land and landmarks. We have cheap power, clean air, open skies for stargazers, top 5 best international airport in the world, a municipal airport, arts, music, a seasonal farmers market, lots of churches, a great educational system, great education and healthcare, local farming and ranches, an awesome downtown and fun businesses. We are a No. 1 water amenity economy and have top 3 best sand dunes in the nation. We have excellent fishing, hunting, hiking and camping. And the time it would take someone in a big town to get to work is about the time it takes to go to bigger cities for other needs, plus more fun…come see for yourself and thank me later. Thank you. Your Friend, Elisia Dalluge … Lisa from Moses Lake.”

Skaug: Again, having been a lifetime resident in Moses Lake, without a doubt it is our people that represent our greatest strength. They are the families, workers, volunteers, the neighbors that make Moses Lake what it is. I often hear the comments by those from the “FarSide” (affectionally noted) and other transplants, that they have found a new home in Moses Lake. It will be my hope and purpose that as we welcome those new to Moses Lake, we will not lose the heart of a community that has is roots in rural America, the farms, the sand dunes, the recreation opportunities, the hunting, the fishing, our schools and churches. I will welcome growth while making decisions that reflect the values Moses Lake holds dear. It has been a pleasure and honor to be involved in making decisions that will shape the future of Moses Lake that my kids and grandkids will be able to enjoy.

How can the public contact you?

Dalluge: 509-431-3020

lisa.eklund@yahoo.com.

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