QUINCY CITY COUNCIL POSITION 4 Q&A: Royer vs. Esparza

QUINCY — Andrew Royer, the incumbent, and Rey Esparza are running for Position 4 on the Quincy City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald provided identical questions to each candidate, including a word limit. Esparza did not respond to several requests for comment.  

Q: What made you decide to run (or if you’re an incumbent, run again) for city council?

Royer: Serving on the Quincy City Council since 2018 has been an honor. Quincy is more than where I serve; it’s home. I grew up here, graduated from Quincy High School, built a business and now have the privilege of pastoring a local church. My wife and I raised our family here, and I care deeply about Quincy’s future. My background in business, leadership and public service equips me to continue contributing in meaningful ways.

Quincy is growing rapidly and with growth comes both opportunities and challenges. I’m running again to build on the progress we’ve made, ensure that critical projects move forward and help guide our city with steady leadership. I desire to see Quincy remain a strong, thriving community where families and businesses can flourish.

Q: What do you think are the two or three most important challenges facing Quincy?

Royer: Quincy is experiencing rapid growth, which brings both opportunities and challenges. Our most urgent issue is upgrading critical infrastructure. Water supply and wastewater systems are under strain and securing reliable, sustainable solutions is essential if we want to support growth while protecting public health.
Without addressing this issue, growth will quickly outpace our capacity.
Another challenge is addressing the impact of growth on housing and quality of life. Families need affordable housing, safe neighborhoods and strong city services. We must plan carefully to ensure Quincy remains a great place to live as our population expands.
Finally, Quincy must take a balanced approach to economic development. While we benefit from strong industry, we lack supporting businesses that provide everyday services and enhance community life. Bringing balance to our economy will help create good jobs and make Quincy a more vibrant place to live.

Q: In terms of funding, how would you prioritize them? How would you pay for them?

Royer: My top funding priorities are upgrading water and wastewater systems, improving roads and walkways, and strengthening community services like public safety, housing, behavioral health, recreation and the completion of the QPlex recreation center.
These investments are critical for public health, safety and the long-term well-being of our community. The QPlex, in particular, will serve as a catalyst for new economic investment, with outside businesses already attending meetings to explore potential projects around it.
My experience on the council has taught me the importance of thoughtful, sustainable, long-term planning. We pursue state and federal funding opportunities, low-interest loans and grants to stretch local dollars further. Wise stewardship of public resources ensures that every investment benefits residents, strengthens Quincy and supports sustainable growth.

Q: What are two or three important opportunities you see for Quincy?

Royer: Quincy has several important opportunities to build on its strengths and shape a thriving future.

First, continuing to invest in core infrastructure, water, wastewater, roads and public safety, will ensure that growth is healthy, sustainable and that our community remains safe and livable.
Second, Quincy is well-positioned for balanced economic development. Our industrial sector is strong, but there’s great potential to attract businesses that provide services, dining and retail, creating jobs and improving daily life. The QPlex is a particularly exciting opportunity to spark new investment and strengthen community engagement.

Third, enhancing community livability through affordable housing, behavioral health resources, recreational amenities and projects like the planned non-motorized loop trail positions Quincy as a family-friendly city where families want to live and businesses want to invest. With thoughtful planning, we can build a community that benefits both current residents and future generations.

Q: What are some things that you would like to see happen in Quincy, some goals that you would work toward?

Royer: My goals for Quincy are rooted in building a strong, sustainable foundation for the future. I want to see essential water and wastewater upgrades completed to support growth and protect public health. I also want to continue expanding roads, walkways and non-motorized trails, including the planned loop trail around the city. 

Another priority is to strengthen community services, from police and housing to behavioral health and recreation. Completing the QPlex recreation center is equally important, as it will serve as both a community hub and a driver of economic development. As President of the Quincy Valley Regional Parks District, overseeing its construction, I’m directly involved in guiding this important project to completion. 

I’m committed to being a wise steward of public funds and pursuing long-term sustainable planning, so that every decision we make today helps ensure Quincy’s success tomorrow.