Greg Grun

Occupation: Pharmacist — owner and operator of Crown Drug in Hoquiam since 1980. Also a clinical pharmacist at Grays Harbor Community Hospital

Relevant experience: 24 years on Hoquiam City Council

1. What solutions can you see that are feasible for the city to address homelessness in Hoquiam?

Even the largest, richest cities in our state and country don’t have solutions for the rampant homelessness. I don’t see a true solution; all I foresee is working with city staff and the local citizens to address this problem. I want everyone to be safe.

2. BHP’s proposed potash facility, if the company chooses to construct at the Port of Grays Harbor, could bring a significant amount of one-time cash into the city through permit fees and construction tax revenue. What would you consider to be the best use of that money?

I think that spending some of the money on improving our city streets would be wise. We have not had a sufficient budget for road improvement for a long time. The council would need to take careful consideration on the best ways to invest or spend this money.

The Potash facility would benefit other agencies in Grays Harbor. It is anticipated that Hoquiam would receive $3.66 million, other county agencies would receive a total of $9.2 million. Anticipated beneficiaries would be Grays Harbor Transit, 911, mental health programs, and criminal justice/public safety.

3. A study is nearing completion on potential consolidation of fire services between Aberdeen and Hoquiam. What are your views on service consolidation, for fire and in other areas, such as the potential of contracting with Aberdeen for wastewater services?

I have been in favor of consolidation for many years. There is a current study being done to evaluate consolidation of fire and ambulance services; we should see the results of this study soon. Aberdeen and Hoquiam are also conducting a study on the feasibility of sharing wastewater services. My hope is that these studies will lead to sharing this and later more services, like police and animal control. Hoquiam and Aberdeen already have interlocal agreements to back each other up in several of these areas, we just need to take this one step further and consolidate.