QUINCY CITY COUNCIL POSITION 5: Dormier and Shelton

QUINCY — Incumbent Dave Dormier is being challenged by Pete Shelton for Position 5 on the Quincy City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald gave identical questions to each candidate, with a word limit.

Q: Quincy is growing. How should the town manage growth, and what’s the city council’s role in the process? 

Dormier: The council must work closely with both the Mayor and the Community Development Director to help guide growth in a positive and strategic manner. The Grant County comprehensive plan update is scheduled for June 2027, and I have been voted by the council to serve on the Grant County Community Growth Council, ensuring that future development and planning for Quincy are thoughtful and beneficial. Affordable housing will only be possible if Quincy’s community has access to job opportunities that keep pace with inflation. Inflation is a major cause of high housing costs, which are driven by state and federal spending and taxes, which are out of the hands of a city council member. To keep good job opportunities local, I support the data centers, food processors, manufacturers and Nucor being in town for these are going to be the drivers that allow the future generations of Quincy to thrive.   

Shelton: Quincy’s growth is an opportunity, but it must be balanced with preserving our small-town values. The city council’s role is to guide growth through thoughtful planning: ensuring that housing, schools, public safety, and infrastructure expand at the same pace as population and industry. Growth should serve current residents as much as new arrivals, and that means listening to the community while holding developers accountable to standards that protect livability, safety, streets and affordability.

Q: Infrastructure, especially an adequate supply of water, has been a topic of conversation. The city's wastewater treatment facility is also approaching capacity. How would you address the infrastructure issues, and how does the city pay for them? 

Shelton: Water and wastewater capacity are critical to Quincy’s future. I believe in proactive investments, upgrading and expanding systems before they reach a crisis. Funding must be a blend of state and federal grants, partnerships with industry that benefits from our resources, and careful use of city funds without overburdening residents. Strong planning and transparent budgeting are essential. 

Dormier: 55% of Quincy water is used for food processors, 10% for data centers, and 35% for residences. Efforts are ongoing with the industry to improve efficiency and reduce usage. Encouraging responsible lawn watering is another key conservation strategy. I prefer not to rely on raising water rates to force conservation. Industrial wastewater plant users will be funding needed maintenance and improvements, and I advocate for them to support their own water reuse project that will reduce their water usage. The municipal wastewater plant is under review to determine costs and schedules for upgrades, including \systems to supply reclaimed water for irrigation on all new projects. This will give some residents a less expensive lawn watering opportunity. For the long term, I am in the hunt for water rights and strategically working with other cities in the Columbia Basin. For in the west whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting. 

Q: How would you ensure transparency in city government? Is city government as responsive as you think it should be, and if not, how do you plan to promote what you consider adequate responsiveness? 

Dormier: Transparency is a priority for me, and you are free to contact me. Quincy is still a small community; information about ongoing activities and procedures is readily accessible with a request to the city. I encourage increased public participation at city council meetings, as it is uncommon for citizens to attend, speak, or observe these sessions. We are currently assessing the parks department, with improvements anticipated over the coming months. City staff are occupied with mandatory records requests; therefore, in the 2026 budget council is looking forward to seeing the cost of a position to coordinate all the departments, parks, schools, construction, police, fire, events, recreation, and notices in a clearer, more cohesive presentation out to the public. This year, we made major improvements to the utility billings and in 2026, the residents should notice a significant improvement. 

Shelton: Transparency means more than open meetings; it means real communication. Council should provide accessible updates, post clear agendas and summaries, and create open channels for public input. Responsiveness is listening when residents raise concerns and following through. I would advocate for quarterly town halls and digital tools that make it easy for residents to see what’s happening and why. 

Q: What are some of the opportunities you see for Quincy? 

Shelton: Quincy has unique opportunities: a growing tech and agricultural economy, a strong school system, and an incredible community spirit. With thoughtful planning, we can expand recreation, youth programs, and housing while supporting local businesses. Quincy can be a place where families thrive, where jobs are plentiful, and where growth benefits everyone, not just a few. 

Dormier: Economic Development: The Port of Quincy is actively working to finalize agreements for the Nucor Steel micro mill, which will bring economic growth. 

Recreational Expansion: The regional parks district is working on designs for the Q-Plex sports complex, providing new recreation and service industry opportunities. The upcoming Aquatic Center will provide summer activities. 

Improved Infrastructure and Safety: Connecting roads to Lauzier Park and Monument Elementary are scheduled for 2026, enhancing access to 13th Street. Efforts are underway to ensure the six-year transportation plan includes safe pedestrian routes, targeting improvements for the Third and Central railroad crossings. The city is pursuing grant funding to help develop railroad crossings. The governmental funding process is lengthy, so it will take time, just know the time delay is not because we are not working on it. 

Long-term Planning: The 2027 comprehensive plan update presents an opportunity to establish a strong and vibrant future for Quincy.