As part of continuing election coverage, here is a question-and-answer session with Grant County commission Position 2 candidates James Liebrecht and Carolann Swartz. Visit the elections page at wenatcheeworld.com for more.

James Liebrecht, challenger

Wenatchee World: Grant County’s diverse economy should be nurtured and promoted, but in which direction? Tourism? Data centers? Agriculture? Or some other industry or service?

Liebrecht: Tourism is a great way to promote your county, but these are often seasonal dollars. I am looking for year-round jobs through agriculture. The canola oil plant in Warden is a prime example. Capitalizing on the wine industry in the Mattawa area is another, where their green sewage treatment facility returns water back to the grower at a profit. I believe these smaller (city) ports are an avenue to attract new business. And I believe in investing in our own people and returning the tax for future growth.

WW: Are the back-up diesel generators used by data centers a threat to Quincy’s air quality?

Liebrecht: I feel natural gas generators would be a better choice. The cost of natural gas is more economical and more efficient. However, diesel is what we are working with at this time. If properly maintained with exhaust scrubbers in place, they will do what they’re designed to do.

WW: Counties and municipalities sometimes butt heads over issues and jurisdictions. What’s the best way to ensure straight talk and common goals between Grant County government and officials in the county’s cities and towns?

Liebrecht: This is an area where my past experience will benefit the citizens of Grant County. As a past Moses Lake planning commissioner and city council member, I understand zoning and city ordinances. I know and understand the importance of working together. There needs to be a “give and take” attitude when it is in the citizens’ best interests. I am there to serve for the health and welfare of the citizens of Grant County. My answer is to respect your fellow local governments. The citizens expect cooperation. Remember we are all members of Grant County. It’s the citizens and cities that make it what it is.

Carolann Swartz, incumbent

WW: Grant County’s diverse economy should be nurtured and promoted, but in which direction? Tourism? Data centers? Agriculture? Or some other industry or service?

Swartz: Area wise, Grant is one of the largest counties in Washington and offers a broad range of tourism and business opportunities. Agriculture was our first business and continues to be the largest. It is paramount that we continue to promote and develop agriculture and ag-related industry.

Because of our vast space we have room to develop other industries and I feel we are in the early stages of realizing our area’s potential appeal to national and worldwide business. We are centrally located. We have the ability to customize education through Big Bend Community College, Job Corps and other vocational education. We feature 10 port districts and two major airports as well as proximity to Interstate 90 and rail transportation. Our (renewable) electric power has always been one our greatest assets.

All this points to a bright future for industry growth in our area. Because of our vast array of tourist attractions and our abundance of sunshine, we welcome the world to come and play, recreate, and learn. In many ways, we have it all! We welcome new industry, encourage the enhancement of existing business and agriculture, and encourage the growth of tourism. I can’t limit my vision to one or two areas of commerce, but gladly look toward future growth and diversification.

WW: Are the back-up diesel generators used by data centers a threat to Quincy’s air quality?

Swartz: I do not have all the statistics, but I cannot in good conscience conceive that turning on backup generators once a month would threaten the health of our citizens. Air currents and the wide, open spaces make these generator tests more feasible in our area that in more congested locations. I doubt the emissions by the backup equipment comes close to equaling that of automobile/truck traffic, or even passing railroad engines. The Department of Ecology and the Environmental Protection Agency have strict guidelines for air quality. The data centers function within those regulations.

WW: Counties and municipalities sometimes butt heads over issues and jurisdictions. What’s the best way to ensure straight talk and common goals between Grant County government and officials in the county’s cities and towns?

Swartz: This has been a very real challenge in past years, but I feel there has been a major move in positive relations recently. My approach has always been to listen to all sides, engage others in conversations, and work toward establishing a culture of trust and cooperation. It seems to be working. Many of the old barriers have come down as we all work together to help solve problems throughout the county. Every town, every city, every neighborhood is important. That is the guideline I use as I tackle challenges. Communication is the key, and common sense is the pathway.

— compiled by Mike Irwin, World staff