Grant County Commissioner candidates discuss economic, workforce development

EPHRATA — Four Republican candidates are competing for Grant County Commissioner Position 3 in the upcoming primary election: Shannon Durfee, Kelly Raap, Seth Weeks and Janice Flynn. 

To help voters compare the candidates’ priorities and policy positions, each was asked the same questions and given an equal opportunity to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline. Weeks did not respond. 

In this edition of our candidate Q&A, the candidates outline their plans for strengthening Grant County’s economy, attracting new investment and creating job opportunities for residents. 

Primary election ballots must be postmarked or returned by Aug. 4. 

Raap: Maintaining a good balance with our agriculture economy and supporting growth in manufacturing, energy, small businesses and new industries can be complicated.  

My goals would be to improve infrastructure, streamline permitting, speed up county processes and encourage responsible development that respects agriculture and our rural communiƟes. Businesses are more likely to invest in our communities where local government is predictable, efficient and works collaboratively with them.  

Workforce development is essential. Partnering with local schools, Big Bend Community College, industry leaders and workforce organizations can help prepare our youth and workers for careers in agriculture, trades, manufacturing, healthcare and technology. This will help meet the needs of our communities’ employee shortages.  

Housing development is another concern. To encourage businesses and workers to come to our county, we need to be able to meet their housing needs. I will support responsible efforts to increase housing options across our communities. 

By focusing on streamlining our processes, improving infrastructure, workforce development, and housing needs, we will be able to support economic growth in Grant County. 

Flynn: Grant County has a strong economy because it is diversified. Agriculture has long been our foundation, and over the years we have continued to grow through manufacturing, energy production, small businesses, and emerging industries. Maintaining that balance is essential to creating good-paying jobs and keeping our communities strong. 

As County Commissioner, I will support policies that encourage responsible growth while protecting the industries that drive our economy. That means investing in reliable infrastructure, maintaining our roads, supporting energy resources, and working with our cities, ports, and economic development partners to attract new employers and expand existing businesses. 

County government should be a partner, not a barrier. We need efficient permitting, predictable regulations, and practical land-use policies that encourage investment while protecting private property rights. I will continue to oppose unnecessary state mandates that limit local opportunities and make it more difficult for businesses to grow. 

I also believe workforce development is key to long-term success. By partnering with local schools, Big Bend Community College, employers, and trade programs, we can prepare the next generation for careers in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and the skilled trades. 

With my experience in finance and grant administration, I will work to secure funding for infrastructure and economic development projects that strengthen our economy without placing additional burdens on taxpayers. My goal is to support job creation, encourage investment, and ensure every community in Grant County has the opportunity to thrive. 

Durfee: As Commissioner, I would support reliable infrastructure investments, encourage efficient and predictable permitting, and work to remove unnecessary barriers that delay responsible business growth while protecting the interests of our communities. 

I would work closely with the Grant County Economic Development Council, our port districts, cities, and local employers to better understand their challenges and identify where county government can be a stronger partner. By maintaining regular communication and collaboration, we can ensure that county policies and infrastructure decisions support long-term economic development rather than slowing it down. 

I also want to ensure that Grant County residents benefit directly from economic growth. I will advocate for growth that strengthens our tax base, creates family-wage jobs, and generates the revenue needed to improve county infrastructure and essential services. 

Finally, I would encourage partnerships between local schools, colleges, workforce training organizations, and employers to prepare residents for careers in agriculture, healthcare, skilled trades, manufacturing, and technology. Investing in our workforce helps businesses succeed while creating opportunities for the next generation to build their future right here in Grant County.