Applications sought for Grant County Prosecutor
May 27—EPHRATA — Applications are being accepted through June 13 from qualified attorneys for the job of Grant County Prosecutor. Incumbent Kevin McCrae announced his resignation effective Aug. 3.
In his resignation letter sent to the Grant County Commissioners, McCrae said he had decided not to run for reelection in 2026.
"Due to some family issues, along with another opportunity, I feel it best to part ways with the (prosecutor's office) this summer, rather than next year," McCrae wrote in his resignation letter.
The prosecutor is a partisan office, and McCrae ran as a Republican. Because of that, the Grant County Republican Party will conduct the initial applicant reviews.
"We were notified that he had resigned," said Republican Party Central Committee Chair Andrew Koeppen. "Once he resigns, the Grant County Republican Party — or if he was a Democrat, it would be the Democratic Party — will have to come up with three recommendations to fill his position."
Names of the three finalists are sent to the Grant County Commissioners.
"(The commissioners) ultimately have the final say on which one they will choose," Koeppen said.
There are qualifications for the job.
"They have to fulfill the same qualifications as if they were running for the prosecutor's office," Koeppen said.
That includes having a license to practice law in Washington.
Applicants must include a resume detailing their professional experience and education, a cover letter explaining their interest in the job, and at least five professional references. Applications must be emailed to chair@gcrpcc.com.
Applicants will be interviewed July 12.
"We want to get it to the county commissioners as soon as legally possible," he said.
Interviews will be conducted in open session, but no public comment will be accepted, Koeppen said.
Commissioner Cindy Carter said the finalists will go through a separate interview process with the commission.
"The interviews are open to the public," she said.
Commissioners can discuss the candidates in executive session, but the vote will be in a public session, she said.
Koeppen said he wants the selection process to be as open and transparent as possible.
"This is an extremely important position. The prosecutor's office sets the tone for law enforcement here in Grant County, and we want to make sure the process is done in such a way that the community, law enforcement and every prosecutor that will work under (the new prosecutor) has full confidence this process was done openly, fairly and transparently," Koeppen said.
Moses Lake Police Chief David Sands said other qualities should be considered in a new prosecutor.
"I think the biggest thing for us, and I would think all law enforcement, is a good partner, someone that wants to work with us and do the right things," Sands said. "Keep the citizens of Grant County safe."
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