CCCNews Podcast: John Grant focuses on Tax Relief, Cutting Red Tape in the County Commissioner Bid
The Dalles, Ore., March 30, 2026 — Wasco County commissioner candidate John Grant said he would prioritize tax relief, business-friendly policies, and housing development as the county manages growth and new revenue tied to data center expansion.
Grant, who is running for Position No. 1 in the May 19 primary election, brings a background in business, military service, and local civic involvement. He has served on the North Wasco County School District Budget Committee, The Dalles Planning Commission, and currently chairs the Wasco County Republicans.
He is facing Lisa Gambee, Nichole Biechler, and Robb Van Cleave in the race for Position No. 1.
His campaign comes as the county enters a period of increased revenue, including millions of dollars tied to Google’s data center investments, raising questions about how those funds should be used to support infrastructure, housing, and long-term economic stability.
On housing, Grant said he supports using available tools to accelerate development but cautioned against direct public subsidies that could benefit private developers without a clear public return.
“I would never want to see somebody making a profit off of the tax dollars,” Grant said, adding that the county should focus on reducing regulatory barriers and “cutting red tape” to make development easier.
Grant pointed to his experience on the planning commission, where he said zoning rules and permitting timelines can slow projects. He said streamlining those processes could help increase housing supply without relying heavily on public financing.
He also emphasized the need for guardrails if the county uses financial tools, warning that setting a precedent could lead to increased demand for public funding from multiple developers.
On wildfire preparedness, Grant said the county should rely on coordination with fire districts and state and federal agencies rather than pursuing sweeping policy changes.
“I’d rather get it right than be right,” he said of taking the advice of experts, as wildfire response varies widely depending on terrain and conditions.
He said maintaining strong communication systems and supporting existing emergency response teams should remain a priority.
Grant also addressed funding challenges for rural fire districts, saying decisions about long-term funding should largely remain at the local district level, with the county playing a supporting role in connecting resources and maintaining communication.
On water infrastructure, he said the county should help smaller districts access state and federal grants to address aging systems, particularly in southern Wasco County.
Regarding data center growth, Grant said the county must plan for long-term sustainability while remaining flexible as technology and economic conditions evolve.
“Being able to pivot and use those funds … I think is going to be very important,” he said.
He suggested some of the revenue tied to data centers could be used to reduce financial pressure on residents, including potentially offsetting property taxes or fees to support middle-income households.
Grant said strengthening the middle class should be a central focus of county policy, both to support existing residents and to attract new businesses and workers to the region.
He also expressed support for improving local schools, including the potential for a new high school in The Dalles. While he acknowledged the financial challenges faced by residents on fixed incomes, he pointed out that Google dollars used to reduce property taxes in the county might give voters enough financial room to support a school bond.
“I think that needs to be a primary focus — how can we build that strong middle class,” he said.
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