Commissioner candidates discuss what distinguishes themselves

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, the final of five, candidates were asked: With four candidates seeking this position, what distinguishes you from the other candidates in the race? What experiences, qualifications and leadership qualities make you the best choice to represent District 3 as the Grant County Commissioner? 

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

Raap: One of the things that distinguishes me from the other candidates is that I can ride and rope off a horse. In all seriousness, as for the experiences, qualifications and leadership qualities of the other candidates, I honestly cannot say, I don’t know what theirs are. All I can tell you is my own  personal experiences and qualifications.  

I believe my combination of experience, values, and commitment to Grant County makes me a qualified candidate to serve as your District 3 Commissioner.  

I have lived in Grant County my entire life, except while attending college.  

For 33 years I have assisted with our farm’s budgeting and bookkeeping.  

My husband is a sixth-generation farmer/rancher, and together we understand the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture and our rural communities.  

Professionally, my bookkeeping and accounting background provides financial experience that is needed to oversee county budgets responsibly. I understand how to analyze financial information, ask difficult questions and make informed decisions with taxpayer dollars.  

I am running because I understand the needs and concerns of our agriculture community. My family and I are totally invested in Grant County, personally and financially and I want to help preserve what makes  

Grant County a great place to live, work and raise a family. I don’t claim to have every answer, but I will always listen, work hard, and make decisions based on facts and what is best for the people of Grant County. I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote. 

Flynn: I have worked in the Grant County Commissioners’ Office managing millions of dollars in grants, overseeing budgets, and ensuring accountability for taxpayer funds. As the Finance Director for Royal City, I have successfully managed public finances, maintained balanced budgets, and earned clean State Auditor audits. 

I understand how county government works because I have worked alongside county departments, cities, state agencies, and community partners to solve problems and deliver results. That experience gives me the knowledge to make informed decisions immediately rather than learning on the job. 

Grant County is entering a period of significant transition with the retirement of several experienced elected officials. Government cannot pause while new leaders learn the position. My experience provides continuity, financial expertise, and institutional knowledge to keep county services running efficiently. 

I will also be a strong advocate for Grant County, pushing back on state mandates that unnecessarily burden our communities, agriculture, businesses, and property owners. Regulations such as shrub-steppe mitigation should not prevent responsible growth or limit economic opportunity. 

I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the Washington State Farm Bureau PAC, along with the support of local elected officials, community leaders, and members of our agricultural industry. Their confidence reflects my commitment to fiscal responsibility, practical leadership, and standing up for Grant County. My experience, integrity, and proven record make me prepared to represent District 3 from day one. 

Please submit your responses by replying to this email. Responses may be published as submitted, subject only to formatting and word-limit requirements. Candidates who do not respond by the deadline will be noted as having declined or not submitted responses by the publication deadline. 

Thank you for your participation and your willingness to serve the residents of Grant County.   

Durfee: Leadership isn't about politics, popularity, or making decisions that benefit one group over another. It's about serving the entire community with integrity, fairness, and common sense. 

Grant County is made up of people with different backgrounds, cultures, industries, and perspectives. Our county government should reflect that. I believe the best decisions come from truly knowing the communities we serve—not just meeting people during election season, but building relationships, understanding their challenges, and remaining engaged long after the campaign is over. 

A County Commissioner should lead by example. That means being visible, approachable, prepared, and willing to have difficult conversations. It means asking questions before assuming you have the answer, working alongside department leaders to solve problems instead of simply reacting to them, and making decisions based on facts rather than politics. 

Throughout my career as a business owner, elected school board director, former emergency communications professional, and community leader, I've learned that trust is built through consistency, accountability, and follow-through. Those are the same principles I will bring to county government. 

I want Grant County to have a government that reflects the people it serves. My goal is to build a county where residents feel represented, county employees feel supported, businesses can succeed, and taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly. If elected, I will work every day to ensure county government earns the trust of the people it serves.   

    Republican Janice Flynn.
  

    Republican Kelly Raap.