Commissioner candidates discuss public safety, county services

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

To help voters compare their priorities and approaches to county government, each candidate was asked the same question and given the same deadline to respond. Durfee, Raap and Flynn submitted responses by the deadline; Weeks did not respond. 

For this installment, candidates were asked: "The county commissioners help allocate funding for law enforcement, emergency management, public health and other essential services. What are the most important county services to protect or improve, and how would you ensure taxpayers receive value for their investment?" 

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

Durfee: Every county service plays an important role in serving our residents. I don't believe one department is more important than another unless it involves protecting lives or responding to emergencies. Public safety, emergency management, public health, roads, planning, and other county services all work together to keep Grant County running, and each deserves thoughtful support. 

As Commissioner, one of my priorities would be building strong working relationships with the leaders of each county department. You cannot solve problems if you don't understand them. By listening to department leaders, visiting operations firsthand, asking questions, and maintaining open communication, I believe commissioners can make better-informed decisions that benefit both employees and taxpayers. 

For the departments managed by the Board of County Commissioners, I would encourage regular strategic planning, measurable performance goals, and ongoing evaluations to ensure services continue improving as Grant County grows. While independently elected officials manage their own offices, I believe strong communication and collaboration between all county leaders is essential to serving the public effectively. 

I see the Commissioner's role as a bridge between the public and county government. When county leadership works together toward common goals, it creates a domino effect – better decisions, stronger services, greater efficiency and increased public trust. That is how we provide real value for taxpayers while ensuring county services continue meeting the needs of our growing communities. 

Raap: Protecting public safety is one of the county’s most important responsibilities. Residents deserve to feel safe, have a timely emergency response and receive county services they need.  

We have a large county with many miles to cover and the needs of each community will vary as to which services are the most important. As a commissioner my goal will be to communicate with community members in every part of our county to determine their needs and then work together with the leaders of each department to ensure they have the resources they require to provide these services equally and efficiently throughout all areas of Grant County.  

My bookkeeping background has taught me to evaluate spending carefully and ensure resources are directed where they provide the greatest benefit.  

Communication with residents is essential. I will listen to the people who rely on county services to help identify needs, and work to ensure we’re providing reliable, efficient services while being a responsible steward of public funds. Keeping that balance will help guide my decisions as a commissioner. 

Flynn: The County’s first responsibility is to provide the essential services that protect our communities and keep Grant County running. My top priorities are public safety, maintaining our roads and infrastructure, emergency management, and supporting a strong Sheriff’s Office. Property crimes, including agricultural, construction and equipment theft, continue to impact families, farmers, and businesses, and law enforcement must have the resources needed to respond effectively. 

District 3 has unique public safety needs. Live Nation’s summer concert series brings thousands of visitors to our county, requiring additional law enforcement, emergency medical services, traffic control, and coordinated emergency response. District 3 is also home to some of Grant County’s busiest recreational areas, including our lakes, river and sand dunes. Adequate marine patrol, water rescue, search-and-rescue and off-road enforcement resources are essential to protect residents and visitors during the busy recreation season. 

Protecting taxpayers also means being a responsible steward of their money. My experience managing public budgets, grants, and financial oversight has taught me to look for efficiencies, eliminate unnecessary spending, and pursue grant opportunities whenever possible. Every department should be accountable for delivering measurable results while maintaining the high level of service our residents expect. 

Taxpayers deserve transparency, accountability, and sound financial management. I will make decisions based on fiscal responsibility, protect the essential services our communities rely on, and ensure every taxpayer dollar is invested wisely to keep Grant County safe, strong and prepared for the future.