MOSES LAKE CITY COUNCIL: Martinez vs. Davis

MOSES LAKE — Jeremy Davis is challenging incumbent Deanna Martinez for Position 1 on the Moses Lake City Council. Both candidates were sent identical questions with a 150-word limit.  

Q: What made you decide to run for City Council? 

Martinez: During my first term, the city made meaningful progress on several key initiatives, including public safety, water, street preservation, and city infrastructure. Business growth and housing development have played a central role in driving momentum for Moses Lake. Despite these advances, there is still significant work to be done both in addressing immediate needs and planning for the long-term future of the city. 

With the appointment of a permanent, experienced city manager, our leadership team is now united in direction and purpose. Together, we are actively collaborating on a comprehensive plan for Moses Lake, setting clear priorities, identifying financing strategies, and developing realistic timelines to achieve our goals. My motivation to continue serving Moses Lake comes from a desire to help guide our growth and revitalization, not only through improvements to physical structures and infrastructure, but also by nurturing the spirit and sense of community that make our city special. 

Davis: I am running for City Council because, as a lifelong resident of Moses Lake, I care deeply about the future of our community. This city has given so much to me and my family, and I believe it is my responsibility to give back, through service and leadership. 

Moses Lake needs leaders who are guided by conservative values, who will listen closely to the voices of our citizens, and who can provide clear and consistent direction to city staff. I believe in accountability, transparency, and ensuring that every decision we make puts the needs of our community first. 

Leadership is not always easy; it requires the courage to make tough choices and the wisdom to balance growth with preserving the core values that define our city. I want to see Moses Lake continue to thrive as a safe, welcoming, and prosperous community for families, businesses, and future generations. 

Q: What do you think are the three most important challenges facing Moses Lake in the next five years?

Davis: Water: Our city must resolve the ongoing water issue. While I believe the decisions currently being made are moving us in the right direction, we cannot only focus on today, we must plan for future needs. A long-term, sustainable water strategy is critical. 

Crime: Addressing crime must be a priority, and all citizens should be treated equally under the law. While I understand that some individuals face disadvantages, no one is exempt from the rules and ordinances that protect our city. By working together with law enforcement, community organizations, and residents, we can reduce crime and restore a sense of safety and pride in Moses Lake. 

Affordable Housing: We need to partner with developers to create affordable housing options that meet the needs of working families, young people, and seniors. Moses Lake should be a place where everyone has the opportunity to live, work, and build a future. 

Martinez: Fiscal Sustainability: Last year, the council approved the use of $4 million from the city’s reserve fund and increased property taxes to “balance” the 2025 budget. This decision placed an additional burden on taxpayers and did not reflect prudent spending; I voted no on both measures.  We must be prudent in our budget decisions while still meeting the needs of the city. 

Water: Reliable access to water is one of the city’s highest priorities. That’s why I helped lobby for state funding for our city wells and connected council to our federal legislator to seek additional funding and water sources.  

Energy: Although Moses Lake does not directly supply energy to its residents, we must engage with our local government entities, addressing local energy needs and planning for long-term sustainability. That’s why I advocated meetings with the PUD and Port of Moses Lake. 

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

Martinez: Ensuring the financial stability of Moses Lake is essential for meeting both future needs and the daily operational requirements of the city. Without adequate funding, the city would be unable to address ongoing responsibilities or plan for long-term improvements. Therefore, fiscal sustainability remains my most critical objective guiding my decisions. 

As we work toward developing a balanced and viable budget, the city council is committed to partnering with state and federal agencies to secure the necessary resources. These collaborations, some of which I spearheaded, are particularly important for addressing Moses Lake’s water needs, ensuring that funding is available to support vital infrastructure projects and maintain reliable water access for all residents. 

Davis: Addressing Moses Lake’s challenges requires responsible planning and smart use of resources. 

For Water, we must continue working with our lobbyists and legislators in Olympia and Washington, D.C. to secure grant funding and keep direct costs to local taxpayers as low as possible. Larger projects may eventually require a bond, but only once our financial foundation is sound. 

For Crime, we already have officers and infrastructure in place. The focus must be on setting clear priorities and using existing resources effectively to ensure laws are enforced fairly and consistently. 

For Affordable Housing, progress can be made without new taxes by streamlining the permitting process and fostering stronger collaboration between our Community Development departments and local developers. By cutting red tape and encouraging partnership, we can create more affordable options for families in Moses Lake. 

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

Davis: Community Engagement: Working with our city should be straightforward and welcoming. We need to shift our perspective on how we serve our citizens. Every interaction with a city official should be customer-focused, respectful, and lead to positive outcomes. By building a culture of service, we strengthen trust and create a city government that truly works for its people. 

Tourism: Moses Lake is blessed with natural beauty and resources that make our community unique. From the lake and sand dunes to our parks, waterpark, and trail system, the foundation is already here, we simply need to better promote and enhance it. Our lakefront parks should provide easier access to the water, and our trails should be beautified and highlighted as a community asset. Tourism not only showcases our city’s strengths but also supports local retailers, restaurants, and hotels. By embracing these opportunities, we can strengthen both our economy and community pride.

Martinez: Looking ahead, Moses Lake has several important opportunities that can shape its future and enhance the quality of life for all residents. Continued business growth remains a central focus, providing momentum for economic development and supporting a vibrant local economy. By encouraging the expansion of existing businesses and attracting new investment, the city can create jobs and increase prosperity throughout the community. 

Comprehensive planning is another critical opportunity, ensuring that Moses Lake is prepared to address future needs as it grows and evolves. This includes thoughtful consideration of major projects such as a second lake crossing, which would improve connectivity and accessibility for residents and businesses. In addition, exploring alternative water sources is essential for maintaining a reliable supply and supporting ongoing development. 

We are open for business! 

Q: What are some things you would like to see happen in Moses Lake over the next decade, goals you want to work toward? 

Martinez: To ensure the continued growth and prosperity of Moses Lake, my goals for the city include: 

Adding alternative water sources to the city’s portfolio to help ensure reliable and sustainable access for all residents. By diversifying where our water comes from, Moses Lake can better meet current needs and adapt to future challenges. 

A second crossing over the lake will significantly improve connectivity and accessibility. This infrastructure project will support both residential mobility and business operations, making it easier for people and goods to move throughout the city. 

Fostering business and industrial development with a focus on creating jobs that offer a living wage or better for our citizens. Supporting growth in these sectors will contribute to a robust local economy and enhance overall quality of life. 

City beautification efforts to make Moses Lake more welcoming for residents, businesses, and visitors alike, helping to promote community pride and economic vitality. 

Davis: I would love to see Moses Lake become a city that truly welcomes business. As a successful business owner, I believe our community has the opportunity to attract and grow a wide range of business sectors. With that growth comes new job opportunities for our citizens and a stronger, more diverse economy. By continuing to broaden our economic base, we can build long-term stability and prosperity for our city. 

One of my primary goals is to strengthen collaboration with Grant County, the Port of Moses Lake, and the Grant County Economic Development Council. Together, we can align resources and strategies that benefit the entire region. 

In addition, we must continue to support local non-profit organizations that reflect the City’s core values and provide essential services. Protecting our most vulnerable populations, our children, disabled, and seniors must remain a priority as we shape the future of Moses Lake.