Meet your candidates, week one of three

The Eagle will present a series of questions to candidates running for various local government positions in Wahkiakum County in our Oct. 16, Oct. 23, and Oct. 30 editions. Each candidate will respond to one question per week, with responses limited to 200 words. The Eagle is proud to provide this opportunity for the community to hear directly from those seeking office and remains committed to presenting all candidates' views impartially and fairly.

Sheriff candidate question 1:

Why do you want to be sheriff, and what makes you qualified for the job?

Josh Grasseth: I'm running for Sheriff to make a difference in the community I love-the place where I was born, raised, and where my family and friends have lived for generations. I have a lifelong vested interest in protecting Wahkiakum County and ensuring it remains a safe and proud place to call home.

It would be an honor to serve as your Sheriff, to "protect what you value most," and to be a dedicated voice for your rights and safety. I believe in leadership through action, and true community service.

With 20 years of law enforcement experience, I've served as a narcotics detective on three multi-county drug task forces, sergeant, K-9 handler, detective, marine patrol supervisor, and most recently, commander and head of agency. I'm also a certified rescue/recovery scuba diver with a strong commitment to water safety.

As commander, I rebuilt a struggling department-hiring new staff, writing policies and procedures, and securing grants that funded police vehicles, a mobile command center, scuba diving gear, uniforms, surveillance equipment, communications equipment, water rescue gear and jet skis. The funds that I acquired took a major burden off the hard dollar budget and allowed for purchases we could not afford.

John Mason: Since growing up in Wahkiakum, I have always been inspired by our heritage of good will, and I know that a community that takes care of each other is a healthier and safer community. I believe the Sheriff is one of the most important positions to have a community relationship with as we are the direct representative of your public safety interests. I believe our great community deserves the very best in public safety services, which is why I answered a calling to the Office of Sheriff in 2024, and why I want to remain your Sheriff.

I have dedicated my Law Enforcement service to Wahkiakum County since 2013. Throughout these years I have put my leadership skills to good use as a Deputy, a Patrol Sergeant, and as your Sheriff. I have responded to hundreds of single Officer calls where I have led the people around me to positive and safe resolutions. As a patrol sergeant I was responsible for the development and leadership of our team of Deputies. As a career first responder and leader of first responders and investigators, I have the experience and training to understand how to measure and evaluate our current public safety needs.

Mayoral candidate question 1:

Why do you want to be mayor, and what makes you qualified to lead Cathlamet right now?

Nicholas Sevald: I want to be mayor because I genuinely care for this town, it's people, it's history, and it's future! I am raising a family here so I have a large stake in the town's success and I want to make as positive of an impact as I can.

I am qualified to lead Cathlamet right now because of the combination of experience and education that have brought me here. I have a master's in business management and my professional background spans many industries. From management roles in manufacturing, industrial sales, and even restaurants. Now, I am happy to be a part of the education team at the School District. These experiences have given me great insight into how to see problems differently and tackle them creatively as well as working with people from all walks of life. As a volunteer firefighter for the town, I believe my dedication to the people of this community is evident. As an educator, I see this as a learning and growth opportunity. As a father, I see it as my job to help our community thrive for generations to come. Thank you Cathlamet for the opportunity to be your mayor.

Laurel Waller: Cathlamet operates under a Council–Mayor system defined by Washington law. The council sets policy, direction, and budget; the mayor implements those decisions. These roles must work together to ensure services run smoothly and change is meaningful.

This December marks my eighth year on the council. I stayed for a second term to support the new mayor and help advance major projects-like the utility analsis and Waterfront Park. Now, we face a serious budget crisis and major shifts in services and staffing.

I'm running for mayor because I believe I can help guide the town through this transition. My council experience and decades of project and personnel management have prepared me to lead with confidence and transparency.

I am eager to see what happens when we fully commit to the legal model-empowering the council to fulfill its role and making sure residents have the information they need. That takes trust, communication, and a shared commitment to our future.

It won't be easy. But I know Cathlamet's desire to succeed is strong. I'm ready to help us stabilize, reimagine, and move forward-together.

County Assessor candidate question 1:

Why do you want to be the County Assessor, and what makes you qualified for the job?

Justin Moriarty: I'm a taxpayer, and I want change that benefits you. My goal is to protect our community from unfair or inaccurate valuations, and I have the experience and commitment to do it right.

I have been working in the County Assessor's Office as an Accredited Commercial and Residential Appraiser and am a Certified Real Property Appraiser in Washington and Oregon. With over 13 years of hands-on experience and 12 years of professional licensure, I have completed more than 5,000 appraisals through my own private office, in addition to my work with the county.

Professional appraiser credentials are publicly verifiable through the Appraisal Subcommittee's National Registry at https://www.asc.gov/appraiser.

My focus is accuracy, responsibility, and protecting taxpayers. I believe in fiscal responsibility and a whole-of-government approach, where leaders work together to strengthen our economy without raising taxes. I am always researching ways to protect the people of this county, ensuring every decision supports stability and public trust.

I remain current on senior exemptions, veteran benefits, and property tax deferral programs so residents can access every opportunity for savings. My work is guided by honesty, integrity, and accountability. When you think of me, think "Honest, Competent, and Committed."

Drew Jenkins: At the beginning of the election cycle, I noticed only one person was running for Assessor, When it comes to any election, I believe it is better when the public has at least two options to choose from. Having retired from the Wahkiakum County Assessor's office in 2023, and deciding retirement wasn't for me, I returned to work not long afterward.

With this opening in the Assessor's office, I decided I should put my experience back to work for the public. During my seven years working in the Assessor's office, I have met many of you, visited almost all of the properties in the county, and helped implement the new valuation system. Having lived in the county for 10 years, I'm familiar with the nuances that impact value. In the Assessor's office, I've worked with many of you reviewing your values, and making sure you were valued properly, taking advantage of programs that could lower your tax liability.

I have many years of experience appraising homes in the Midwest. I am currently accredited for mass appraisal in the state of Washington and would be honored to continue serving the people of Wahkiakum County once again.