Castro focused on safety, workforce in commissioner race

MOSES LAKE — Republican Amador Castro, a local educator and entrepreneur is running for Grant County Commissioner District 1, against Republican Kevin Burgess. The incumbent, Danny Stone, is not seeking reelection.  

“This is not just a campaign for me; it’s about creating a better, safer, and more prosperous Grant County for us all,” Castro said.  

Castro said he aims to inspire positive changes in the community he has called home for nearly two decades. He said his platform emphasizes public safety, economic development and workforce training. Castro said he seeks to make a lasting impact as a county leader. 

“I’ve always been a background person, preferring to work behind the scenes. But something told me it was time to step into the light and show people what I can do,” Castro said. 

His inspiration is rooted in family ties, he said, particularly from his father-in-law, who spent years involved in local politics. Castro said now is the time to run for office, when there was an open seat and no incumbent. 

“Family encouragement has been monumental in helping me make this decision,”he said. 

When asked about his top priorities if elected, Castro made it clear public safety is a top priority.  

“I want the residents of Grant County to feel safe in their homes and communities,” Castro said. “Working alongside the sheriff’s office, I plan to ensure they have the resources necessary to address crime effectively.” 

While public safety is at the forefront of his agenda, Castro also places substantial importance on economic development.  

“A stagnant county is a dying county,” he said. “We need to encourage growth while preserving our local agriculture. It’s all about finding a balance.”  

Castro intends to approach the issue by collaborating closely with local businesses and farmers, making it a priority to listen to their challenges and concerns.  

“I want to listen to the issues that the farmers and businesses are dealing with and see how as a county representative I can help them,” Castro said. “I can work with the state representatives or the state senators. I have that avenue to have more access to where I can work with them and help maybe solve some of these problems that they're dealing with.”

Considering the infrastructure challenges facing Grant County, Castro acknowledged the necessity of cooperation among local municipalities.  

“While the primary responsibility for infrastructure lies with individual cities, I see my role as a commissioner to foster communication and collaboration among them,” he stated.  

He highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as housing and homelessness, recognizing these challenges require collective efforts from both county and city governments.

As a teacher, currently with Vanguard Academy in Moses Lake, Castro said he sees workforce development as another cornerstone of his campaign. Providing solid vocational programs and career opportunities can help keep young Grant County residents in their hometowns. 

“I want students in Grant County to see a future here, and part of that is ensuring they are adequately trained for the job market,” he said. 

By using his connections in the education community, Castro said he aims to implement effective apprenticeship programs which equip students with practical skills before they graduate, setting them up for a successful career.  

Castro teaches business, graphics and career choices at Vanguard. However, he said he has won national awards for his work with Jobs for America graduates. The program takes students who have a 75% chance of dropping out of high school their first year and works to keep them in high school for four years. He said he was part of one of the only programs in the nation which had a 94 to 100% graduation rate.  

“I kept them in school,” Castro said. “I worked hard to make sure that these kids were going to graduate high school and find careers or go to college or go to the military, do something out of high school. It was such a wonderful program.” 

Castro said he has also worked with the Moses Lake School District to develop policy changes regarding the use of Rescue Med, a medication for those with seizures and breathing issues. Castro has a special education daughter who requires access to Rescue Med; however, MLSD had a policy it could only be administered rectally. Castro said he worked with doctors and the MLSD to adapt a policy where the nasal version of the medicine could be used. 

“It took a few months, and it took a lot of us fighting with different people to get that changed, but now it's a policy with the school board and anybody who has a rescue med can have it administered nasally instead of rectally,” Castro said.

Addressing calls for increased transparency and accountability in local government, Castro emphasized his commitment to being approachable and open.  

“I am a very transparent person. People ask me anything, I'll give them the answer, whether they like my response or not,” Castro said. “I would love for every day, whether it's me or somebody else to ‘say this is what we're doing this week,’ and actually get it out there and not make people have to search for it. Because ultimately, people don't want to search for things.”

He plans to utilize various communication channels to keep constituents informed, he said.  

Castro expressed concerns about rising gang violence in the area, citing two gang-related shootings within the last month.  

“I would love for the (Grant County Sheriff’s Office) to maybe have a task force where they're going into the elementary schools and making those connections with younger kids — third and fourth graders, because those are the times in their life when they're super impressionable,” Castro said. “You could ultimately change their life if you get to them earlier. The resource officers we have in the schools now make great connections with the kids. It's wonderful. But sometimes when they're in the late junior high school years. It's almost too late.”

By fostering positive relationships at an early age, Castro believes it can help deter future criminal behavior. 

Though he lacks a formal background in politics, Castro said his extensive experience in education and community service makes him a candidate of the people.  

“I’m just a genuine person trying to make a difference,” he said. “What you see is what you get.”