MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL 1 Q&A: Martinez vs. Davis

MOSES LAKE — Deanna Martinez and Jeremy Davis are running for Position 1 on the Moses Lake City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald sent identical questions to each candidate with a 150-word limit on the answers. Martinez did not respond by the deadline. 

What is the city’s role in addressing homeless issues? 

Davis: I believe our city must balance compassion with responsibility to all residents, including taxpayers. Homelessness is complex, and while our city’s resources are limited, we can make a difference by partnering with nonprofits, existing support organizations, and regional organizations help direct them to services like drug rehabilitation, mental health support and job training and placement.  This is a tough problem, you cannot force change, however we must ensure our laws and ordinances are applied fairly and equally protecting everyone’s safety and rights, no matter their situation. My priority is creating a thriving, safe community where everyone has a chance to succeed. That means listening to you, supporting practical solutions, and fostering growth that organically brings more resources to address homelessness.  I’ve seen neighbors rally for our city’s future, and I’m ready to lead with compassion and accountability.  Together, we’ll build a city that’s caring and responsible. 

Does the city have a role when it comes to homelessness?  

Davis: I believe our city has a focused but vital role in addressing homelessness. We’re a small community with limited resources, so direct services aren’t feasible, but we can make a real impact by facilitating solutions. I’d push for a dedicated staff member to coordinate with nonprofits, helping transport individuals seeking support to nearby larger communities with drug rehabilitation, mental health care, and job training programs. This approach respects taxpayers while offering a lifeline to those in need. We must also ensure our laws are applied fairly, keeping our streets safe for everyone. My goal is a thriving city where all residents feel supported. By listening to you and fostering partnerships, we can address homelessness responsibly without stretching our budget. I’ve seen our community come together before, and I’m ready to lead with practical, compassionate steps to build a stronger future for all. 

If there’s not direct city involvement, does the city have a role in supporting those groups working with homeless people?   

Davis: Our city has a role in supporting groups tackling homelessness, even though we’re not providing direct services. As the city council is currently supporting limited resources, we can maximize impact by having a dedicated staff member to coordinate with nonprofits using recording fees as a funding source. This role would coordinate with nonprofits to connect individuals to drug rehabilitation, mental health care, stable housing and job training. It’s a practical way to help without straining our budget, respecting taxpayers while addressing a tough issue.  I’ll ensure our laws keep our streets safe and fair for everyone. By listening to you and strengthening these partnerships, we can foster hope and opportunity.  Our community has a huge heart, and I’m committed to leading solutions that work for everyone. 

Moses Lake’s location makes it attractive for certain kinds of criminal activity, drug trafficking being one example. The city has experienced at least one homicide allegedly related to gang activity this year. What’s the council’s role in addressing criminal activity? 

Davis: I know Moses Lake’s location draws challenges like drug trafficking and gang-related violence, we’ve seen that heartbreak this year with a homicide. The council plays a crucial role in providing guidance to our Police Department to keep our community safe. We must set clear expectations and directives for the Chief to enforce laws and ordinances equally for everyone, no exceptions. I’d push for measurable metrics, like response times and crime trends to track progress and adjust as needed. Through regular reviews, training support, and partnerships with other agencies, we’ll ensure effective, fair policing that builds trust. Community safety is the foundation of a thriving Moses Lake, and I fully back our officers who put it all on the line every day. Let’s work together. I’ll listen to your concerns and lead with common-sense solutions to make our streets safer for families, businesses, and kids. 

How does the council support effective efforts to fight crime?   

Davis: The City Council must empower our Moses Lake Police Department to fight crime effectively, especially with challenges like drug trafficking and gang activity. We’ll ensure officers have the tools they need, including modern equipment, ongoing training, and clear policies to do their sworn duty. I’ll push for consistent communication from the council to the Chief, ensuring laws are enforced equally, regardless of someone’s situation. Personal responsibility matters, and no one should feel unsafe in our community. We’ll set measurable goals, like tracking crime rates, to hold ourselves accountable and keep you informed. By partnering with residents and community groups, we can prevent crime before it starts. I’ve heard your concerns at local meetings, and I’m committed to practical solutions that make our streets safer for families and businesses. 

Moses Lake has a pretty friendly business environment, but how can that be improved?   

Davis: As a small business owner myself, I’m committed to making Moses Lake’s business environment even stronger. I’ve heard from shop employees who feel uneasy parking in alleyways, so let’s make safety first, let’s increase police patrols, and work with our Police Department to ensure everyone feels secure. I’ll engage with local business groups, like the Chamber, to boost our vibrant downtown while supporting businesses across the city. With big retailers drawing crowds, we can market downtown better by working with DMLA and the Chamber with events, signage, and social media campaigns to attract shoppers. I’ve talked to owners who want a thriving, safe community, and I’m ready to listen and act. By fostering partnerships and smart investments, we’ll grow our economy without stretching taxpayers. Together, we can make Moses Lake a place where businesses of all sizes flourish, employees feel safe, and customers keep coming back. 

What’s the city’s role in promoting economic development?   

Davis: The City of Moses Lake’s role in economic development is to plan smart and partner strong. By working closely with the Port of Moses Lake, Grant County EDC, and Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, we’ll stay ahead of growth trends and bring in jobs that benefit everyone. I’ve talked to local business owners who want a thriving economy, and I’m listening. We must manage growth carefully, ensuring infrastructure, like our roads, utilities, police and fire protection, keep pace with new residents without burdening taxpayers. I’ll push for transparent planning and investments that create opportunities, like supporting small businesses and attracting industries that fit our community’s heart. Growth isn’t just inevitable; it’s a chance to make Moses Lake stronger, safer, and more prosperous. By fostering collaboration and keeping residents first, we’ll build an economy that works for families, supports local shops, and ensures our city shines for years to come.