Commissioner candidates discuss growth, budgeting and county priorities at Ephrata forum

EPHRATA — Republican candidates Shannon Durfee and Kelly Raap highlighted their backgrounds in public service, budgeting and community involvement Wednesday as they outlined their priorities in the race for Grant County Commissioner District 3 during a candidate forum at the Art Semro American Legion Post 28. 

Both candidates talked about fiscal responsibility, careful planning for growth, and the importance of listening to residents before making policy decisions. While the two often agreed on broad issues, each pointed to different experiences and qualifications they believe would prepare them for the county commission. 

Durfee, a Quincy school board director, small business owner and former Washington State Patrol dispatcher, said her focus would be strengthening county government, protecting local interests at the state level and preparing for future growth. 

“I believe a county commissioner should be representing the taxpayers and county government,” Durfee said. “We are elected by the people, and our responsibility is to make sure that county government is operating efficiently, responsibly and in the best interest of those we serve.” 

Durfee said her first priority would be evaluating county operations and identifying opportunities for improvement. 

“I want to clean up a little bit in the county house,” she said. “That means taking a close look at how our departments are operating and understanding where our tax dollars are currently going.” 

Raap, who works in county government and has a background in agriculture, accounting and budgeting, said she would bring financial experience and a practical approach to the position. 

“Grant County is my home,” Raap said. “I'm proud of our agriculture heritage, our hardworking families, businesses and the opportunities.” 

She said her experience in farming, bookkeeping and public-sector finance would help her navigate county budgeting decisions. 

“I just feel that my experience and my education is going to lend a very good thing to this position,” Raap said. 

Asked about housing growth, neither candidate committed to a specific approach, but both said additional discussion and planning would be necessary as Grant County continues to expand. 

Durfee said she would seek public input before making decisions on housing policy. 

“My theory is I'm here to serve the taxpayers,” she said. “I'm not going to make a decision without having all the facts.” 

Raap said county government has a role in supporting responsible growth and improving permitting processes. 

“One of the things that I think has slowed down our building in our community is the permitting processes,” Raap said. “I think that's one of the things that I would like to address.” 

The candidates also discussed community concerns ranging from litter and traffic near the county landfill to abandoned vehicles and code enforcement. 

Durfee described code enforcement as a recurring concern she hears from residents and said county leaders should examine how other communities address similar issues. 

“Code enforcement in general, whether it's about abandoned vehicles or garbage, is definitely something that needs to be taken head on,” she said. 

Raap said she would support efforts to improve enforcement and explore ways to address roadside litter. 

“It's something that I personally am passionate about,” Raap said of garbage accumulation along county roads. 

When asked to distinguish themselves from one another, Durfee pointed to her experience working within multiple public agencies, including education, health care and emergency services. 

“I already have that understanding of how government works and how taxpayer dollars are provided out,” Durfee said. 

Raap talked about her financial background and experience balancing budgets. 

“I've worked with unions. I've worked in accounting, budgeting,” Raap said. “I know how to make dollars work.” 

Both candidates stressed the importance of reviewing departmental budgets carefully rather than making assumptions about where cuts or increases are needed. 

Raap said county commissioners should work collaboratively with department leaders to determine funding priorities and identify needs. 

“My job is to work with each department,” she said. 

Durfee said budget decisions should begin with understanding how current funds are being spent and whether departments are operating efficiently. 

“We need to evaluate what we're spending now before we decide who gets more and what needs less,” she said. 

Voters will decide the District 3 county commissioner race in the November general election. Residents can register to vote, update their address, check voter registration status and track their ballot at VoteWa.gov. For Grant County residents, the Grant County Elections Office is available to answer questions at 509-754-2011 ext. 2704.