PORT TOWNSEND — Saying he wants to finish work he started, Port Ludlow Democrat John Austin announced today he would seek a second four-year term this fall as a Jefferson County commissioner.
Austin has one challenger so far, Port Ludlow Republican Jim Boyer, president of the Citizens Alliance for Property Rights. Boyer announced his intention to run last year.
“The reality is I really do like the work, and I have developed efficiencies on the job,” Austin said at his office this morning, as he announced his candidacy.
Austin, one of three county commissioners, represents District 3, which covers Port Ludlow, the southern part of East Jefferson County and the county’s West End.
Austin, 68 and a retired career psychologist, said he wants to see the construction and completion of the Port Hadlock and Brinnon sewage treatment systems during a second term, which are expected to boost economic development and jobs growth in the Tri-Area.
The Brinnon project, which will replace the failing Dosewallips State Park campground system in Brinnon, is being designed to allow businesses, Brinnon School and some homes to link into the community septic system that will pump waste up a hill to an expansive drain field.
Austin said he would continue to support public land preservation, water-quality protection and county public health-care services.
“I have successfully lobbied to keep our state parks open — for use and to encourage local tourism,” he said in a prepared statement.
“My fellow commissioners and I have passed legislation to protect the shellfish beds that bring over $20 million to our county each year. I have worked closely with our tourist industry to bring more visitors to our county.”
Austin serves on the state Board of Health as the county’s representative, and said he has worked to improve and maintain the health and safety of the county’s children through safer school environments.”
He cited better counseling for county youths at schools as a result of a 1/10th of 1 percent sales tax, which he said he supports.
The position pays $60,195 a year, plus a mileage allowance and medical and dental benefits.
A candidate for the position must pay a filing fee with the county auditor totaling $601.95.
Fellow Democratic county commissioners Phil Johnson of Port Townsend and David Sullivan of Cape George were re-elected to second terms in November 2008.
Austin is one of several elected county officials up for election in 2010, including Assessor Jack Westerman III, county Auditor Donna Eldridge, county Clerk Ruth Gordon, county Prosecuting Attorney Juelie Dalzell, Sheriff Tony Hernandez, District Court Judge Jill Landes and Treasurer Judi Morris.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
