Meet Your Candidates Question 3

The Eagle has presented 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 responded 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. In the spirit of fairness to all candidates involved, there have been no alterations to any of their responses. These responses are presented exactly the way they were submitted to The Eagle.

Sheriff candidate question 3: How will you make sure your department is fair, visible, and responsive to everyone in the community?

John Mason:

Fairness is one of the most important aspects of a positive partnership between the Sheriff's Office and the Community. This has and will continue to be done by providing leadership and training to my staff that empowers them to make the best choices in the interest of public safety, justice, the law, and compassion.

I have ensured that my staff and I have remained as visible as possible despite having lower staffing levels and increased individual workload. Visibility in Law Enforcement represents our engagement with the community, which I have increased by proposing and participating in community preparedness presentations and events, and by reopening the Johnson Park Field Office to allow for better access to the West End.

Visibility also goes hand in hand with responsiveness as a proactive approach to law enforcement is key to successful prevention and investigation of violators. I have fostered a culture of information sharing and collaboration within my own Office and between our partners in the State Patrol, Fish and Wildlife and Department of Corrections. I have led a proactive focus to any problem areas or hot spots that are reported to me or other officers, or to the areas ascertained by local officers.

Josh Grasseth:

I am committed to ensuring that every individual in our county is treated with dignity and respect. Every deputy will receive thorough training to provide equal treatment to all-regardless of race, religion, gender, age, or background. I will uphold your constitutional rights fully.

Department policies will be open and accessible to the public. The processes for submitting complaints or commendations will be simple, straightforward, and visible.

Our deputies will be a familiar and approachable presence throughout the county-not only during emergencies, but every day. We will hold regular community events to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community.

Through social media, newsletters, and local media partnerships, we will keep residents informed and engaged. We will provide multiple ways for the public to reach us-online, by phone, or in person-ensuring that communication is always open.

We will establish clear response time standards and follow up after incidents to ensure that residents feel heard and supported. Town hall meetings will give the community a voice in shaping public safety priorities.

My pledge to you if elected sheriff, I will be a visible leader, an impartial enforcer of the law, and a dedicated listener to every resident.

Mayoral candidate question 3: How will you work with the Town Council, the County, and local organizations to move projects forward and solve problems together?

Laurel Waller:

To work with the Town Council, county, and local organizations, I believe strong leadership is required. A good leader helps everyone reach their goals, removes obstacles, and treats all team members with respect. I will encourage teamwork, open communication, and listen to different views and new ideas.

As mayor, my job is to support the council, who represent the citizens. When we work together, we serve the town best. I plan to bring back liaison roles and procedures that connect the council with other groups in town. There are many organizations and it's important for council members to attend some of their meetings and share what they learn. This helps everyone understand what's happening and allows solving problems as a team.

My goal here is to make sure everyone feels included and heard. I will encourage cooperation, be willing to look for compromise, and explore new and alternative approaches. By staying connected and working together, we can move projects forward and make our town a better place for everyone.

Nicholas Sevald:

It boggles my mind how valid this question is because it shouldn't need to be asked. Town government has no business being dramatic and combative. It serves nobody to in-fight, name-call and undermine. The people who take on this role should be prepared to easily navigate compromise and work together even when they don't always agree. I'm almost at a loss for how to answer because to me, simple constructive communication should not be a special highlight, it should be a basic expectation. I suppose in that sense my goal would be not just to work diplomatically with the council, and to foster relationships with local organizations, but to reset that expectation with everyone from the leadership, to our partners, to our community. I want the future of this town to expect reasonable, responsible, team-driven leadership all around. There is too much at stake for anything less than that. Thank you.

County Assessor candidate question 3: How will you balance the county's need for revenue with the need to protect property owners from unfair tax burdens?

Justin Moriarty:

Balancing the county's need for revenue with protecting property owners from unfair tax burdens begins with accuracy and accountability. Every dollar the county collects must be based on fair, defensible property values, not inflated estimates or outdated data.

As a Certified Real Property Appraiser, I apply the same federal standards trusted by banks and courts to ensure every value is grounded in verified market evidence. That accuracy protects taxpayers by preventing over-assessments and reducing costly appeals.

But the truth is, property taxes are not the solution to the county's budget challenges. The county's general or "current expense" budget totals about $9 million, and only about $1.1 million of that comes from property taxes, even less than the roughly $2 million contributed by the timber excise tax. It's simply impossible to solve our fiscal deficit by raising property taxes. Doing so would only place a heavier burden on local property owners without meaningfully fixing the problem.

The real solution lies in responsible budgeting, accurate assessments, and pursuing new economic development, not unfairly taxing those who already carry the load. I will fight for you and never let you down, that's my promise to every taxpayer. You'll be glad you chose me.

Drew Jenkins:

When you are assessing the value of property for the county, this process is separate from taxation and the need for revenue. The value of the property is what it is, no matter if the county's coffers are full, or the county is in need of further revenue. As I mentioned before, we will always look for ways to help individuals with their value/tax burden, but we do this regardless of whether the county needs additional revenue.