Sheriff candidates encourage public to engage at Thursday forum

MOSES LAKE — Voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates vying to become Grant County’s next sheriff during a community forum Thursday evening. 

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m., June 11, at Generations Church Assembly of God, 431 E. Brown Ave., Moses Lake, and is organized by the Grant County Republican Party. Incumbent Sheriff Joey Kriete and challengers Josh Sainsbury and Darrick Gregg are all expected to participate. 

All three candidates emphasized the importance of attending forums in person, saying it allows voters to make informed decisions based on firsthand information rather than secondhand accounts. 

“I think it’s a very good opportunity for the community to hear specifically from the candidates,” Kriete said. “So many things are lost second or third hand. This event, along with others, will help residents to be educated, responsible voters. The community owes it to themselves to get to a place where they can gather that information and hear answers directly.” 

Kriete added that residents should take advantage of every chance to hear from candidates throughout the election season, not just a single event. 

“I think they should attend any opportunity that they can to hear the candidates talk about the office of sheriff,” he said. “At different forums and debates, different questions can be asked. I think there’s value in all of them.” 

Sainsbury echoed that sentiment, saying in-person forums give voters a clearer understanding of who is running and what each candidate stands for. 

“I think it’s important for people to be able to put a face with a name and hear from the candidate themselves,” Sainsbury said, “and not rumors throughout the community or hearsay on what people want to do.” 

Sainsbury also said forums often provide opportunities beyond the formal discussion, allowing residents to engage directly with candidates. 

“Afterwards, getting the opportunity to maybe talk to the candidate one on one and ask questions, we can explain things in detail without somebody else trying to explain it for us,” he said. 

Gregg highlighted the importance of voter engagement in a race he described as particularly significant for the county, noting that turnout in past elections has been relatively low. 

“In order for people to know who to vote for, they have to come out and see you and hear you speak,” Gregg said. “You need to hear what each of us have to say, and that’s going to give you an idea of who you should vote for.” 

Gregg also pointed to the importance of local elections, even for residents who may not typically follow politics. 

“This does impact you as a citizen and a voter of Grant County,” he said. “You should have a voice in who those people are, because it does affect you.” 

All three candidates encouraged residents to attend not only to learn about policy positions, but to become more engaged in their community overall. 

“I’m glad that our community is setting these events up and giving opportunities for people to hear from the candidates,” Kriete said. “I highly encourage everybody to attend as many of these as possible.” 

The forum is open to the public.