MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL 1: Martinez vs. Davis

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council incumbent Deanna Martinez is being challenged by Jeremy Davis for her position on the council. Both candidates were given identical questions, with a deadline and a 150-word limit for each response. Martinez submitted her answers after the deadline, but the delay was due to miscommunication. Davis’s answers were printed Monday, and Martinez’s answers are below. 

What is the city’s role in addressing homeless issues? Does the city have a role when it comes to homelessness? If there’s no direct city involvement, does the city have a role in supporting those groups working with homeless people? 

The city recently adopted a new strategy regarding its involvement in addressing homeless issues and homelessness. Rather than providing ancillary services such as operating the sleep shelter, the city has chosen to focus on supporting community organizations that specialize in assisting individuals experiencing homelessness. By redirecting our efforts, the city is reaffirming its dedication to prioritizing its core public services. This strategic realignment allows the city to leverage the strengths of specialized organizations while maintaining its foundational responsibilities to the wider community. 

The city also equipped its police department with additional tools by updating and strengthening ordinances, particularly those that enable enforcement of no-camping policies on both public and private land. Previously, the city's ability to address homeless encampments was limited, especially in cases where private landowners had not granted permission for encampment removal. The revised ordinances now provide greater authority for police intervention, supporting more effective management of encampments. 

(Response abridged to comply with word limitations.) 

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?   

During my term, I have supported expanding our law enforcement capabilities by hiring more police officers and a criminal analyst. The council has also directed the city manager to direct staff to improve policies and ordinances to help the MLPD better fight crime and protect the public. Although the police department currently has a 51% clearance rate, accountability has been hindered by limited jail space and past issues in the prosecutor's office. With a new prosecutor in place and the upcoming completion of a county jail, our community will be better equipped to address criminal activity and improve public safety. 

How does the council support effective efforts to fight crime? 

As a council member, my role is to support law enforcement, not direct their daily operations. Police work is complex and requires thorough investigation to resolve cases effectively. Through the budget process, the council can approve funding for new equipment, additional staff, and enhanced training to help our officers protect both the public and themselves. While state law governs the scope of local police activities, the council should advocate for changes to restrictive state policies that impede effective policing. By focusing on resource allocation and policy advocacy, we ensure our police department is equipped to keep our community safe. 

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

The council recently simplified the business license process, making it easier for entrepreneurs to obtain licenses. Additionally, permit procedures for building or improving business spaces are being streamlined. By maintaining streets, sidewalks, and open spaces, the city enhances public safety and beautifies the community, which helps attract customers to local businesses. Improved ongoing engagement with the Moses Lake Downtown Business Association and Chamber of Commerce ensures that council members remain informed about the needs and priorities of small business owners. This collaborative approach allows the council to consider and implement policies that support and benefit local businesses. 

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

The city plays a key role in economic development by ensuring reliable infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer and clear building codes with efficient permitting. Collaboration with partners such as the Port of Moses Lake, Grant County Economic Development, Grant County PUD, and the Moses Lake Chamber helps attract new industries and support expansion of existing ones. As companies like Sila, Group 14, and Twelve grow, the city supports educational providers like Big Bend Community College, CBTech, and Career Connect to offer training programs, ensuring a skilled local workforce. Supporting housing development within the city and Urban Growth Area (UGA) is essential to accommodate both new workers and current residents, fostering continued economic growth and stability.