Linda Barnfather, a Sequim Democrat, announced her candidacy for Clallam County commissioner today.
Barnfather, who is a legislative assistant to Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, will seek the District 1 position now held by Steve Tharinger, a Sequim Democrat, in the Nov. 8 general election.
Tharinger announced Tuesday that he will not seek a fourth term to the county’s east-side district, instead focusing on his role as a 24th District representative in the state Legislature.
Barnfather is the only candidate to announce for the post so far.
“It is with great enthusiasm that I announce to the citizens of Clallam County my candidacy for the office of Clallam County commissioner,” Barnfather said in an email to the Peninsula Daily News this morning.
“Our county’s heritage is something that I care for deeply, and I am truly committed to its future.”
The election filing period is June 6-10.
Barnfather has served as assistant to Van De Wege for more than three years.
She said she simultaneously served former House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler for the last nine months of her career. Kessler, a Hoqiam Democrat, retired after 18 years in the Legislature, 12 of them as House majority leader.
“In my legislative role, I have daily front-line contact with the citizens of Clallam County,” Barnfather said.
“Through my conversations and correspondence with them, I have become well-versed in the issues of importance to this region.”
She advocates “continued strength in economic development that is balanced with responsible environmental stewardship,” she said, as well as “continued teamwork and cooperation among local leaders to keep our county a vibrant place to live, conduct business, and enjoy quality of life.”
Barnfather also has worked as a property manager and own a small property development company with her husband, James Barnfather, a Callam County Fire District 3 commissioner.
A Washington state native, and a graduate of Washington State University, Barnfather has lived on the Olympic Peninsula for eight years, she said.
Barnfather also is member of the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau’s board of directors and of the Clallam County Economic Development Council.
“My collaborative approach to solving issues will involve teamwork with other board members and local officials, and an open door and listening ear to the citizens of the county,” Barnfather said.
Commissioner Mike Chapman, an independent from Port Angeles who was originally elected as a Republican, represents the middle third of the county in District 2, which includes Port Angeles.
Commissioner Mike Doherty, D-Port Angeles, represents the western third, District 3, which includes Forks.
Both Van De Wege and Tharinger represent a legislative district that covers Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County.
