Auditor candidates address their top goals if elected

EPHRATA — Three Republicans are running for Grant County auditor: appointed incumbent Shannon Falstad and challengers Andrew Koeppen and Darci Homesley. 

To help voters evaluate the candidates, each was asked the same question and given an equal opportunity to respond. Homesley did not reply to multiple requests for comment. 

In this installment, the final of the Q&A series, candidates were asked to identify their top three priorities if elected and explain how those priorities would benefit Grant County residents. 

Falstad: My first goal is completion of Enterprise ERP implementation, which will help streamline budget preparation, financial reporting and account reconciliation. 

My second goal is employee Retention and Cross-Training, to foster a positive, supportive work environment that helps retain experienced staff. Continued cross-training will maintain productivity, improve service consistency, and enhance customer satisfaction. 

My third goal is to maintain strong working relationships with all county departments, ensuring decisions are made with consideration for their impact on daily operations and finding solutions that best serve everyone involved. 

Koeppen: The Grant County Auditor's Office exists to serve the residents and taxpayers of Grant County. My first-term priorities are organized around the Auditor's three core responsibilities and supported by my 10 in 100 Plan, which outlines specific actions and includes a commitment to publish a 100-Day Public Report Card so residents can measure my progress and hold me accountable. 

Every vote counts 

Priority: Strengthen election integrity while making it easier for every eligible voter to participate. 

Goal: Increase transparency, improve election reporting, and evaluate opportunities to improve voter access while maintaining security, accuracy, and public confidence. 

Benefit: Residents can have confidence in election results and more timely election information. 

Every penny counts 

Priority: Protect taxpayer dollars through stronger financial oversight and accountability. 

Goal: Improve financial transparency, review contracts, strengthen financial controls, and identify opportunities to increase efficiency. 

Benefit: Residents benefit from responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and a county government that operates more efficiently. 

Every record counts 

Priority: Improve public access to county services and protect important public records. 

Goal: Modernize the Auditor's website, improve access to public information, protect public records, and evaluate vehicle licensing services. 

Benefit: Residents benefit from easier access to county services, better customer service, and preservation of public records. 

Residents deserve more than campaign promises. They deserve measurable results, public accountability, and continuous improvement. That's why I will publish a 100-Day Public Report Card so residents can see what was accomplished, what I learned, and what comes next.