Moses Lake City Council Q&A

MOSES LAKE – There are two candidates running for the Moses Lake City Council position five, including Joel Graves and Jim Perez.  

Both Graves and Perez were concurrently presented with the questions below and given identical deadlines and word count restrictions for their answers. Both submitted their responses in a timely manner. 

Q: Could you share a bit about your background and what motivated you to run for Moses Lake City Council? 

Graves: I’ve spent my career at the intersection of public service and private industry. From serving in county government and working in GOP Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ office in Washington, D.C., to leading global programs at Microsoft, I’ve seen how policy and leadership directly impact communities. Moses Lake is my home, and I’m deeply invested in its future — not just for my four kids, but for generations to come. I’m running for City Council because we need leaders who listen before they talk; who collaborate well and find common ground; and who act with integrity. I’ve engaged with thousands of Moses Lake residents these last five months. People want leaders who stop kicking the can down the road on issues like public safety, infrastructure, and water. They want big-picture thinkers who look decades ahead and make the tough, right decisions for our city’s future. That’s why I’m running for City Council. 

Perez: I've lived in Moses Lake for almost three decades, working in both business and community service. Most importantly, I've raised my family and now see my grandchildren being raised here. My passion for our city's future, for our next generation's future, and the concern over growth and other challenges inspired me to run for City Council. 

Q: What do you believe are the three most pressing issues facing Moses Lake today, and how do you plan on addressing them? 

Perez: The three most pressing issues I see facing Moses Lake are community safety, job stability and growth. I'll be an advocate to strengthen our police and emergency services, see that we bring in stable and growing anchor businesses while supporting our small local businesses, and prioritize infrastructure improvements to align with our growth.   

Graves: Public Safety – Keeping our community safe should be our top priority. Yet, according to Crimegrade.org, Moses Lake ranks in the 15th percentile for overall safety compared to other Washington cities. I’m pleased to see the city hiring and training more police officers—but the reality is, we’ll need more to address the amount of gang- and drug-related activity in Moses Lake. 

Infrastructure – We need to maintain existing infrastructure, act urgently on a second bridge crossing to ease traffic and build more homes to meet demand. Delays cost us more. Smart planning today ensures Moses Lake remains livable, connected, and affordable for families and future generations. 

Economic Development – We must support existing businesses while actively recruiting new ones. By attracting more retail and amenities, we enhance quality of life and keep dollars local. A balanced approach strengthens our economy and makes Moses Lake a more vibrant, desirable community. 

Q: With the growth of Moses Lake, what are your plans for improving infrastructure? 

Graves: Moses Lake is growing fast, and our infrastructure must keep up. We need to invest in critical areas like securing accessible water sources and repairing failing roadways. I strongly support building a second bridge to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity—it’s long overdue. Revitalizing downtown, creating a more walkable waterfront, and building a city-wide bike path are just a few ways we can foster a more vibrant, active community. 

For too long, we’ve been complacent in addressing major issues. We can’t do everything at once, but we can act with urgency on projects that deliver long-term value. Without raising taxes, we can make real progress by prioritizing one or two big initiatives—like the bridge, water infrastructure, or a convention center—and pursuing them with intensity. With my experience managing complex global programs and working in government, I know how to bring people together to get things done. 

Perez: Target roads, water and electricity capacity, new development pays their fair share towards upgrades, welcome growth at a pace that is within our service bandwidth.  

Q: Where do you see Moses Lake in ten years and if elected, how would you work towards that vision during your term? 

Perez: My vision for Moses Lake in the next ten years? Safe community, stabilized economy, smart growth plans that benefit Moses Lake residents and business owners.  

Graves: I love this question because it’s the kind of forward-looking conversation we haven’t had in years—as we’ve spent the last five managing constant crises and controversies. In ten years, I see Moses Lake as a thriving, safe, and respected city with a strong local economy and high quality of life. I envision a revitalized downtown, expanded housing, more restaurant and retail options, and a workforce ready for the jobs of tomorrow. To get there, we need proactive, collaborative leadership focused on results. If elected, I’ll prioritize infrastructure, public safety, and economic development, while ensuring transparency and accountability in city government. I’ll work to strengthen partnerships between the city, local businesses, schools, and community organizations. My goal is to build a city where families feel supported, businesses grow, and young people see a future here. Together, we can shape a future that honors our roots and embraces innovation. 

Q: How can people find out more about your campaign? Do you have any upcoming events?  

Graves: To learn more about my campaign, visit VoteJoelGraves.com. There, you’ll find more information about my background, policy priorities, and the #AllInForMosesLake Video Series, where I highlight local heroes in our community. 

Upcoming events I’ll be at: 

• DMLA Sip & Stroll: Sept. 13 
• Down Syndrome Society of Grant County Buddy Walk: Sept. 28 
• Boys & Girls Club of the Columbia Basin Auction: Oct. 4 
• Youth Dynamics Fundraiser & Auction: Oct. 18

You can also find me at Grace Harvest Church on Sundays, coaching Beginning Soccer on Tuesdays and Thursdays, attending the Rotary Club of Moses Lake on Wednesdays, or knocking on your door during one of my canvassing outings. Please come and talk to me if you see me! Share your ideas, your frustrations. Ask me the hard questions, and let’s have a good, healthy discussion. Thank you for considering me to be your next City Council Member! 

Perez: I will be doing "pop-up" events throughout Moses Lake businesses, radio ads, I'll have a booth at Harvest Fest, and other Moses Lake events. I can be reached via email at [email protected], website votejimperez.com, and Facebook at Jim Perez for Moses Lake City Council. I'm also usually around town, so don't hesitate to come up and say hello and have conversations.