PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles Association of Realtors has endorsed City Council candidates Brooke Nelson and Harry Bell for the Nov. 3 general election.
The endorsements, each of which comes with a $500 campaign contribution, were formally announced at the association’s Thursday meeting.
Nelson, a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Uptown Realty and member of the association, is running against Deputy Mayor Betsy Wharton.
Bell, the chief forester for Green Crow, is running against Patrick Downie for the seat that will be vacated by council member Karen Rogers.
The ‘Realtor’s drum’
Dick Pilling, the association’s government affairs committee chairman, said six members of the committee interviewed the candidates and their opponents.
Pilling, who is the Clallam County Republican Party chairman, recused himself from the interviews and decision-making process.
While Nelson is one of their own, he said the committee looks at more than just how the candidates rate on development-related issues.
“They don’t necessarily beat a Realtor’s drum,” Pilling said.
“We’re interested in those candidates that will provide what we think is a quality of life.”
He added that can include business- and recreation-related issues.
Will not endorse
Pilling said the committee has interviewed City Council candidates Cody Blevins, who is the son of Port Angeles Realtor Dan Blevins, and Larry Little, but chose not to endorse in that race, which is for the position that will be vacated by Mayor Gary Braun.
“The committee does not necessarily endorse or provide money to a candidate unless we are very fond of them,” Pilling said.
He said the committee will interview candidates for Larry Williams’ seat after the Aug. 18 primary election narrows the field from four to two.
Because more than two candidates are vying for the seat, the race for the seat that Williams will vacate is the only one of the four for City Council on the primary ballot this year.
Running in the primary election for that seat are Rick Burton, Edna Petersen, Peter Ripley and Max Mania.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
