PORT TOWNSEND — Saying he wants to finish work he started, Port Ludlow Democrat John Austin announced Thursday he would seek a second four-year term this fall as a Jefferson County commissioner.
“The reality is I really do like the work, and I have developed efficiencies on the job,” Austin said at his office as he announced his candidacy.
Austin faces one challenger so far, Port Ludlow Republican Jim Boyer, president of the Citizens Alliance for Property Rights. Boyer announced his intention to run last year.
Contacted after Austin’s announcement Wednesday morning, Boyer said, “I wish him well, of course. We have differing opinions of what is going on, which is why I am in the race.
“I look forward to exploring our differences and giving voters a chance to see where we stand on the future.”
Austin, one of three county commissioners, represents District 3, which covers Port Ludlow, the southern part of East Jefferson County and the county’s West End.
Austin, 68, a retired career psychologist, said he wants to see the construction and completion of the Port Hadlock and Brinnon sewage treatment systems during a second term, which are expected to boost economic development and jobs growth in the Tri-Area.
The Brinnon project, which will replace the failing Dosewallips State Park campground system in Brinnon, is being designed to allow businesses, Brinnon School and some homes to link into the community septic system that will pump waste up a hill to an expansive drain field.
A big booster of public land preservation, water-quality protection and county public health-care services, Austin said he would continue to support those causes.
“I have successfully lobbied to keep our state parks open — for use and to encourage local tourism,” he said in a prepared statement.
“My fellow commissioners and I have passed legislation to protect the shellfish beds that bring over $20 million to our county each year.”
I have worked closely with our tourist industry to bring more visitors to our county.”
Austin serves on the state Board of Health as the county’s representative, and said he has worked to improve and maintain the health and safety of the county’s children through safer school environments.”
Better counseling for county youths at schools has resulted from a 1/10th of 1 percent sales tax, which he said he supports.
Said Boyer: “Our biggest differences are my concerns for rights and values for property owners, and the economy in Jefferson County.”
He said the economic downturn has him concerned about how schools and services will be funded in the future, and how the county will deal with extended economic problems.
“We need to open the door to business growth and expanded economic growth,” he said, adding that he did not believe that was being done by the county commissioners today.
Austin said his experience was the biggest difference between him and Boyer, experience that included years building relationships with his fellow commissioners, neighboring county commissioners, state lawmakers and congressional members.
The position pays $60,195 a year, plus a mileage allowance and medical and dental benefits.
A candidate for the position must pay a filing fee with the county auditor totaling $601.95.
Fellow Democratic county commissioners Phil Johnson of Port Townsend and David Sullivan of Cape George were re-elected to second terms in November 2008.
Austin is one of several elected county officials up for election in 2010, including Assessor Jack Westerman III, county Auditor Donna Eldridge, county Clerk Ruth Gordon, county Prosecuting Attorney Juelie Dalzell, Sheriff Tony Hernandez, District Court Judge Jill Landes and Treasurer Judi Morris.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
