PORT ANGELES — Bill Peach, the executive director of the Quileute tribe, is running for Clallam County commissioner.
Peach, 54, of Forks, will challenge Democratic incumbent Mike Doherty and fellow Republican Robin V. Poole to represent District 3, or the western third of the county.
“I think that the community is looking for somebody that can actually apply the business background that I have,” said Peach, a former Rayonier manager, shortly before filing at the Clallam County Courthouse on Friday.
Doherty, 67, is a three-term commissioner from Port Angeles.
“He’s an admirable person,” Doherty said of Peach. “I’m looking forward to a good, issues-oriented campaign.”
Poole, 60, is a UPS driver from Beaver.
The three will face off in the Aug. 17 primary, with the top two vote-getters moving on to the general election on Nov. 2.
The winner of the District 3 position will earn between $61,117 and $61,267.
If elected, Peach said he would step down as executive director of the tribe.
“I am running for county commissioner because I can apply my business experience and leadership skills to address issues such as property rights, business retention, and fiscal responsibility,” Peach said in a statement.
“I have been active in the community with experience serving on a number of boards including the United Way and the Clallam County Economic Development Council. My strengths include the ability to engage, focus, and deliver results.”
Peach served in the Army at the end of the Vietnam era. He received a medal for meritorious service, he said.
He earned degrees in civil engineering and forest engineering from Oregon State University, and a master’s in business administration degree from City University in Seattle.
Peach worked as a manager for Rayonier’s timber and land division.
His assignments included business development in New Zealand and Australia and the management of 200,000 acres of Clallam County timberland.
He retired after a 26-year career with Rayonier in 2009.
As executive director of the Quileute tribe, Peach is responsible for the administration of human resources, natural resources, accounting, human services, a clinic, public utilities, tribal court, police, a store, marina and a resort.
Peach moved to Forks in 1983. After assignments in Hoquiam and overseas, he returned to Forks in 1998.
Peach has been married to his wife, Anita, for 37 years.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
