PORT TOWNSEND — The selection process for an interim Jefferson County treasurer will begin all over again.
While planner Stacie Hoskins, a Democrat, seems headed to become Jefferson County’s next treasurer after the Nov. 4 general election — since she is unchallenged in her bid for the office — management of the office until that time is less certain.
Incumbent Judi Morris is retiring June 30.
Since she was elected as a Republican, the party is charged with submitting three names of possible successors, with the final choice resting with the three county commissioners.
The interim treasurer will serve from July 1 to Nov. 24, when the results of the election are certified.
Earlier this month, the party submitted three names. Two withdrew Monday.
The three names submitted were Dena Jones of Quilcene, who owns and operates a thrift shop there; Lyle Newlin, a retired Port Ludlow accountant with experience in the health care industry; and Ron Gregory, Port Ludlow contractor and former chairman of the county Republican Party.
At the time the names were announced, Jones announced she intended to run for the office in this year’s elections, while both Newlin and Gregory said they would not seek a four-year-term.
Jones did not file for office. Nor did any other candidate.
That leaves Hoskins unchallenged, although there could be some write-in votes in either the Aug. 5 primary or the Nov. 4 general election.
On Monday, both Gregory and Jones withdrew their names from consideration for the interim position, forcing the party to come up with two other names to submit to commissioners.
Gene Farr, Jefferson County Republican Party chairman, said party officials will interview and select more candidates Thursday, and there is “at least one other person” who is interested in taking on management of the office for six months.
County Administrator Philip Morley said the commissioners’ interview and possible selection of candidates are scheduled for a special meeting at 2 p.m. June 4 in the Superior Court courtroom at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend.
Residents can submit interview questions to the commissioners’ office. They are due before 4:30 p.m. May 30.
Questions can be sent by email to jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us.
Morris will be in attendance to help conduct the interviews, Morley said.
If no candidate is selected, the commissioners can nominate a staff member to serve in the interim, he said.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
