PORT HADLOCK — Public Utility District Commissioner Wayne King, who has represented the southern part of Jefferson and County since 2000, announced this week that he plans to seek another six-year term on the board.
“I’m so proud of what we have accomplished here and what we are about to accomplish,” said King about the Jefferson County PUD’s movement to provide electrical power in East Jefferson County.
“I’m in it for the people of the county.”
King represents District 3, which includes the south end of Discovery Bay, Quilcene, Brinnon and the west side of the county.
In 2008, voters approved the idea of the public utility district providing electrical service in East Jefferson County, and the district has worked on the switch from Puget Sound Energy since then.
The PUD and PSE have negotiated a $103 million price for PSE’s infrastructure and the improvements PSE has made since the agreement was reached.
The PUD is awaiting final approval of a $115 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service that will cover the purchase price.
A counter displaying the days, hours, minutes and seconds to when it expects to flip the switch is on the PUD website, www.jeffpud.org, and is counting down to March 31, 2013.
King, 71, said he wants a third term so he can see the purchase process to its conclusion.
“I am especially proud of helping negotiate the voter-approved purchase of PSE’s Eastern Jefferson County electricity distribution assets and continue to work on the transition team,” King said in a statement.
‘Power transition’
“I see this process of power transition similar to that of building a high-performance racing engine — each step well-reasoned, costs considered and performance envisioned.”
King’s family began the first PUD in East Jefferson County by building a well in Gardiner in 1910.
After leaving for a while, King returned in 1979 to open King Hydraulic Marine and Machine in Sequim, which he still operates.
He also owns and operates a 1963 Dragster, with which he appears at area auto shows.
“Since my family started the first PUD, I have followed it for years,” King said.
“I didn’t like where it was going, and I attended every meeting but realized that if you want to get involved, you have to sit at the table.
“A lot of politicians forget they work for the people, so they need to be slapped upside the head to remind them.”
Also on the PUD board are Ken McMillen and Barney Burke. The District 3 position is the only one open this year.
The candidate filing period will be May 14-18.
The primary election will be Aug. 7; the general election will be Nov. 6.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
