Candidates at a Glance - County Commissioner District No. 3

Miguel 'Mike' Garza

Age: 54

Hometown: Othelllo

Experience: Garza Insurance Agency, chairman of the board at Columbia Basin Health Association (2010-present.), Othello School Board member (2015-present), Othello School Board president last 3 years.

Community Service: Did not reply

Family: Married for 32 years; four children and seven grandchildren.

• What are the most significant challenges facing Adams County over the next four years?

1. Fiscal accountability.

2. Citizen safety.

3. Continued development of infrastructures to attract more businesses to the County. (Tax Revenues.)

• What measures will you take to address those challenges?

I will work to ensure our budgets reflect our goals as a County. Every official in charge of taxpayer funds needs to be held accountable for the proper use of these funds.

I will work with all involved parties to ensure our Law enforcement is equipped with the proper personnel and funding to provide safety and security for our citizens. (Our jail needs to be up and running ASAP.)

We must continue networking with developers, research groups, and anyone interested in making Adams County a viable place to establish or expand its businesses.

I strongly believe I can bring new ideas and a new perspective to some of our issues, I would truly appreciate your vote.

Terry Thompson

Age: Did not reply

Hometown: Othello

Experience: Farmer, Adams County Commissioner, licensed real estate agent, Adams County Development Council. Adams County Board of Adjustments, Adams County Fair Board, Washington State Fairs Association board member, Adams County Weed Board, Othello City Council, Othello City Civil Service Board, Port of Othello Commissioner, Othello City Planning Commissioner, Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce board 2011-17, Othello chamber president 2014, Othello Community Hospital Board 2011-18, Aging and Adult Care, Adams County Development Council, Adams County Board of Health, Adams County Board of Equilization

Community Service: Boy Scout leader 1983-2021, Othello Livestock Sales Committee, Othello Livestock Sales Committee president for seven years, FFA Advisory Board, volunteer auctioneer, People Against Illegal Drugs, LEOF Board, Columbia Basin Development League, SkillSource

Family: Wife, Faith, of 48 years, nine children and 33 grandchildren

Honors: Othello 2002 Citizen of the Year, Simpoot Foods Potato Grower of the Year 1995

• What are the most significant challenges facing Adams County over the next four years?

The top issue with Adams County for the next four years is balancing the budget and having enough money for all the departments. Another issue is that with the growth we're seeing in Adams County we have the challenge of getting more water for all of our cities and farms. Ground water is a concern. We are completely reliant on ground water for domestic use.

• What measures will you take to address those challenges?

I will pursue asking the State of Washington for more funds for improvements to the many projects we have in Adams County. I'm on the Columbia Basin Development League Board to ensure that projects are in the best interest of Adams County.

It's our responsibility to make sure that every city and home in Adams County has adequate drinking water. I will continue to work for having the water needed to sustain growth. We can alleviate the pressure on our water supply by bringing in more irrigation water so we can reduce the number of deep-water wells used for irrigation.