PORT TOWNSEND — One issue the three candidates for Jefferson County commissioner agree on is that the county can be more hospitable to young people.
“This is the reason I am running for office,” said Tim Thomas, vying for the District 2 position along with incumbent David Sullivan and challenger Dan Youra.
“My son just graduated from high school, and there are no opportunities for work around here. I would like that to change,” Thomas said.
Youra said: “There is a need for more tax revenue so we can attract the people and the jobs we need for this area.”
“There are opportunities for young people in the farm industry,” Sullivan said. “I think this is a good place to go into business.”
The candidates spoke to a crowd of about 75 at the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce weekly meeting Monday.
It was the first time all three appeared together at a campaign event.
Democrat Sullivan is seeking his third term, while Youra and Thomas are running as Republicans in the all-mail Aug. 7 primary, in which voting begins July 18.
The two winning candidates, regardless of party preference, will vie in the Nov. 6 general election.
Youra has filed a residency challenge against Thomas that is scheduled to be heard in Jefferson County Superior Court on Friday.
Youra said the residency challenge “is the central issue of my campaign.”
“I’m happy to talk about the issues with Mr. Thomas or Mr. Sullivan, but I cannot ignore the fact that Mr. Thomas was not living in the district he seeks to represent when he filed for his candidacy,” Youra said.
“I think we need to have a commissioner with a Port Hadlock address.”
Thomas, who has stated that he moved from District 1 to District 2 to run for office, said there is no substantial differences between the districts in most respects.
“When I lived in District 1, I lived on one side of Hastings [Avenue] You go farther down, and the other side is in District 2,” he said.
“There are not lines between the three districts in terms of issues.”
Sullivan said he didn’t know whether the battle between his two opponents was helping his candidacy.
“When we are elected as a commissioner, we represent all of the people,” he said.
“We each serve on regional governing boards and represent the whole county.”
Sullivan said the voters will decide whether Thomas’ residency is important.
Sullivan said the office of the commissioner is a collaborative effort.
“You don’t do anything in this office by yourself,” he said.
“When you list the people who have worked on a certain issue, it is like the Academy Awards because there is a whole long list of names that get things done.”
“I’ve lived in the county since 1974,” Youra said.
“I think that people aren’t happy with the representation they get on the county commission. They are always being told what government can do rather than hearing about what it can accomplish.”
“My goal is to manage the budget more effectively,” Thomas said.
“Working in a small business has given me a good background about how to manage a limited amount of money.”
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
