PORT TOWNSEND — A Port Ludlow developer, builder and property rights advocate has announced his intention to run as a Republican for the county commissioner seat now held by Democrat John Austin.
Jim Boyer, president of Citizens Alliance for Property Rights of Jefferson County and Port Ludlow Maintenance Commission president, said Tuesday he will file candidate paperwork required by county Auditor Donna Eldridge, who oversees county elections.
Boyer first made his interest in running known on Saturday while addressing a Jefferson County Republicans Lincoln’s Day event at the Elks Lodge.
He said he asked for the county GOP’s support.
Boyer would face Austin, now in his first term on the board of commissioners, for a District 3 seat that includes Port Ludlow, South Jefferson County and the county’s West End.
All of the three commissioners are Democrats.
The position comes up for election Nov. 3 unless a third candidate comes forward to force a primary race in August.
Candidates will file officially in June with the county auditor.
The position pays $63,925 a year, plus benefits.
“We pretty much live under a county that takes its direction from Port Townsend,” said Boyer, 62.
“The third district is just kind of pushed around by a very vocal majority up here in Port Townsend,” he said.
That has limited the scope for economic development, he said.
He said he has talked to many who live outside Port Townsend who want “broader representation.”
A construction contractor for most of his life, Boyer moved to Port Ludlow in 2003 to retire. Since then, he has kept a hand in development, building homes in Port Ludlow and Port Townsend.
County ‘vision’
He’s concerned that property rights are being lost to such issues as the county’s shoreline master program, he said, adding that he wants to help stem a downward impact on property values as well.
“What do we have here to rejuvenate and regenerate our county in the next 10 years?” Boyer asked.
“In construction, you have a blueprint and a vision.
“So what is the vision for our county?”
Calling himself a “naturalist” and “environmentalist” who supports land trusts, Boyer said the county must find a way to grow.
“In order to sustain the economy and provide for the future, you don’t have to destroy the environment,” Boyer said.
“If the roof is leaking, you can’t just think it’s going to get better. You have to fix it.”
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
