PORT ANGELES — Eighteen candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for the Nov. 3 Clallam County election.
That leaves 33 — about two thirds — of the 51 elected positions up for grabs.
The filing period began early Monday. It ends at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
“It’s a little bit light,” Clallam County Auditor Patty Rosand said of the first-day filings.
“We don’t see too many incumbents in there.”
In the past, the first candidates in the door were the first to appear on the ballot. Now, there is very little advantage, if any, to filing early.
Candidates are waiting to see who else is running as they jockey for position, Rosand explained.
“Maybe it’s the good weather,” Rosand joked. “We need some rain.”
Candidates can file in the Auditor’s Office on the lower level of the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 W. Fourth St., Port Angeles.
If no candidate runs for an office, there will be a special filing period June 10-12 for those positions.
Harry Bell of Port Angeles has filed for the City Council position being vacated by longtime councilwoman and former Port Angeles Mayor Karen Rogers.
In Sequim, Walt Schubert filed for re-election to the City Council, and Bob Anundson filed to fill the position held by Paul McHugh.
Bryon D. Monohon is running for mayor of Forks. Eighth-year mayor Nedra Reed has said she does not plan to run.
Also in Forks, Tom Scott has filed to run for Patricia Mansfield’s City Council seat.
City Council members serve four-year terms in Port Angeles, Sequim and Forks.
Port Commissioner John Calhoun of Forks has filed for re-election in the countywide governing body. Port commissioners serve six years.
Jim Leskinovitch, Olympic Medical Center board president, has filed for re-election for commissioner at large.
Arlene B. Engel is running for re-election to the OMC board of commissioners. Hospital commissioners serve six years.
Meanwhile, Sarah Methner has filed for the Port Angeles School District director’s seat held by Nancy J. McLaughlin, who does not plan to run.
Cindy Kelly has filed for re-election to the Port Angeles School Board.
In Sequim, Jon Kirshbaum has filed to run for that school board. The position is currently held by Virginia O’Neil.
John Stubbs is running for re-election for the Cape Flattery School Board.
Five candidates have filed for fire district seats.
Lowell P. McQuoid has filed for re-election to the Clallam County Fire District No. 1 (Forks).
Gary L. Coffey is running for re-election in Clallam County Fire District No. 3 (Sequim and east Clallam County).
Donna Kay Buck has filed for re-election in Clallam County Fire District No. 4 (Joyce).
Glen M. McDaniel has filed for re-election in Clallam County Fire District No. 5 (Clallam Bay-Sekiu).
Likewise, Jeffry J. Kopis is running for re-election in the Clallam Bay-Sekiu Fire District.
Jan Richardson is running for Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center Park and Recreation District, a four-year position now held by Susan R. Sorensen.
Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
