PORT TOWNSEND — A lively opening for the Jefferson County filing season Monday, when 14 candidates filed for this year’s election, slowed down Tuesday with only one candidate filing for a county office.
Port Townsend attorney Michael Haas, 53, a Democrat, filed for the office of prosecuting attorney. He had announced in April his intention to run.
Haas opposes incumbent Scott Rosekrans, 64, who filed for a second term.
24th District
Incumbents in the two 24th District seats on the ballot this year filed Tuesday.
Sequim Democrats Steve Tharinger and Kevin Van De Wege represent the 24th District, which covers Jefferson and Clallam counties and part of Grays Harbor County.
Port Angeles native and 6th Congressional District Rep. Derek Kilmer of Gig Harbor filed for re-election Monday.
Also filing to run for the seat held by Kilmer, whose district includes Clallam and Jefferson counties, was W. “Greybeard” McPherson of Port Angeles, who stated no party preference but voted for the Green Party
Of nine county races, only three were without declared opposition by Tuesday.
Assessor Jeff Chapman, 62, and Superior Clerk Ruth Gordon, 60, are seeking new terms, and no opposition has filed against them.
Ken Przygocki is running for Jefferson County sheriff. The present sheriff, Tony Hernandez, is not running for re-election.
The Democratic Party has selected a sheriff’s candidate whose name could be made public today, according to George Yount, party chairman.
Przygocki, 66, is running with no party preference.
If more than two candidates file for a position, they will vie in the Aug. 5 primary election, ballots for which will be mailed to registered voters July 16.
The top two vote-getters will compete in the Nov. 4 general election.
If only two file for a post, they will compete in the general election.
Two offices have drawn three candidates, guaranteeing a primary contest.
Three candidates filed for District 3 county commissioner: Kathleen Kler, 63, Democrat; Joe Baisch, 66, no party stated; and Dan Toepper, 52, no party stated.
For District 2 Public Utility District, commissioner incumbent Ken McMillen, 81, faces challenges from Kenneth Collins, 67, and Tony DeLeo, 65, for the nonpartisan race.
There is a two-candidate race for auditor, with Rose Ann Carroll, 63, running against Judy Maves-Klatt, 52, to succeed Donna Eldridge, who is retiring.
Both Carroll and Maves-Klatt are Democrats.
Two candidates have filed for the county’s sole District Court judge position.
Incumbent Jill Landes is seeking a third term. Former Jefferson County Deputy Prosecutor Cheryl Potebnya is challenging her.
For treasurer, Jefferson County Department of Community Development Planning Director Stacie Hoskins, 43, filed as a Democrat on Monday.
Dena Jones, 58, a Quilcene businesswoman, has announced the intention to run for the office but has not filed.
The candidate filing period continues through Friday.
Salaries
The assessor, auditor, clerk and treasurer draw a $71,980 yearly salary, while a county commissioner earns $63,925, and the sheriff makes $85,015.
District Court judges see $145,544 a year, while the prosecutor earns $128,507.
Filing fees for each office are 1 percent of the total salary.
Incumbent Position 3 state Supreme Court Justice Mary Fairhurst also filed for re-election, as did incumbent Position 4 state Supreme Court Justice Charles Johnson and incumbent Position 7 state Supreme Court Justice Debra Stephens.
Challenger Eddie Yoon filed for Johnson’s position.
Mary Yu, appointed May 1 to Supreme Court Justice Position 1, also filed for the election.
Thurston County Superior Court Judge Lisa Sutton also filed for state Court of Appeals, Division 2, District 2 judge.
The judge positions are nonpartisan.
The state Supreme Court and appeals court candidates filed Monday.
The North Olympic Peninsula Primary Election Guide, prepared and published by the Peninsula Daily News, will appear in print and online July 18.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
