James H. Liebrecht, a longtime Grant County resident who has served in a variety of capacities, is running for county assessor.
Liebrecht, says he has lived in the county almost 68 years and worked here all his life. He said he went to college for business management and business law, and he has owned a business for 42 years. He owns Animal Crackers Clipper Kennel & Company in Moses Lake.
His run for assessor this year is not his first time seeking public office. He was elected to the Moses Lake City Council and served one term, which was for four years.
He has served in a number of appointed roles, as well. While he was on the Moses Lake City Council, he was on the Grant County Health Board. He was appointed to a seat on the Moses Lake Planning Commission, and he was on the Moses Lake parks commission, he said.
At the county level, he currently serves on two panels. This year he started on the Grant County Planning Commission. And, for a little more than a year he has served on the Grant County Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
He said he also has a pilot license and flies for the county’s search-and-rescue unit, a volunteer position.
“As you can tell, public service has been part of my life – giving back to the community,” he said.
Fairness is important to him, too. He says he self-finances his campaign for office, taking no contributions.
“I make sure everything is on an equal platform. No special interests,” he said.
If elected, he would build cooperation in county government, he said.
“One of my key things is getting along with the auditor’s office and the treasurer’s office,” Liebrecht said.
If something the assessor’s office does is going to interfere with the treasurer’s office, he would want to know about it.
“We need to work together,” he said, to reduce costs and to serve the citizens of Grant County. “Everyone is a team, everyone works together. So that is what I want to emphasize. I have done it all my life. I know how to get things done and work together with people. I think I have a knack for that.”
One thing he would specifically like to do as assessor is simplify the application process for the tax deferment program. He would like the application to use ordinary language so more citizens who need it can use the program.
Asked about his leadership style, he said that, if elected, he would take care of the office staff.
“People tell me over and over that they like my decisions because they are based on facts and they are based on citizens. I can’t be pushed, I can’t be bullied,” he said. “I am straightforward, I am honest. I have a higher power to answer to. … I believe that helps me be a humble and caring person.”
He said he feels voters should vote for him because he has the qualifications and the desire.
“Because I am a man of my word, I am easy to talk to, I don’t get angry. I have good leadership skills, I can work with most everybody,” Liebrecht said.
Voters can contact Liebrecht at Liebrecht62@outlook.com.