John Austin was elected Monday to a fourth term as the Jefferson County Commissioners chair. — Charlie Bermant/Peninsula Daily News

John Austin was elected Monday to a fourth term as the Jefferson County Commissioners chair. — Charlie Bermant/Peninsula Daily News

Jefferson County commissioners choose Austin as chairman Monday

PORT TOWNSEND — The three Jefferson County commissioners selected John Austin as their chairman Monday to serve in the upcoming year.

There was little discussion surrounding the action, with Austin calling for nominations and Commissioner David Sullivan responding, “John has done a really good job, and there is no reason to change.”

Commissioner Phil Johnson immediately seconded the motion.

Austin then facetiously asked if there were any other nominations.

It is the fourth consecutive year as chair for Austin, 71, who is up for re-election in November.

He said that he would announce his decision on whether to seek another term in March.

Austin is serving his second term and was first elected to the board in 2006.

After the vote, Austin thanked his colleagues for their support.

“It is an honor, believe it or not,” he said.

________

Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Mark Gregson.
Interim hospital CEO praises partnership, legacy

Gregson says goal is to solidify pact with UW Medicine in coming months

Jefferson County Auditor Brenda Huntingford, right, watches as clerk Ronnie Swafford loads a stack of ballots that were delivered from the post office on Tuesday into a machine that checks for signatures. The special election has measures affecting the Port Townsend and Brinnon school districts as well as East Jefferson Fire Rescue. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Jefferson County voters supporting school district measures, fire lid lifts

Port Townsend approving 20-year, $99.25 million construction bond

Port of Port Townsend Harbormaster Kristian Ferrero, right, watches as a crew from Seattle Global Diving and Salvage work to remove a derelict catamaran that was stuck in the sand for weeks on a beach at the Water Front Inn on Washington Street in Port Townsend. The boat had been sunk off of Indian Point for weeks before a series of storms pushed it to this beach last week. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Derelict boat removal

Port of Port Townsend Harbormaster Kristian Ferrero, right, watches as a crew… Continue reading

Rob Birman has served as Centrum’s executive director for 14 years. When the arts nonprofit completes its search for its next leader, Birman will transition into a role focused on capital fundraising and overseeing capital projects for buildings Centrum oversees. (Centrum)
Centrum signs lease to remain at Fort Worden for next 35 years

Executive director will transition into role focused on fundraising

Clallam approves contracts with several agencies

Funding for reimbursement, equipment replacement

Mark and Linda Secord have been named Marrowstone Island Citizens of the Year for 2025.
Secords named Marrowstone Island citizens of year

Mark and Linda Secord have been chosen as Marrowstone… Continue reading

The members of the 2026 Rhody Festival royalty are, from left, Princess Payton Frank, Queen Lorelei Turner and 2025 Queen Taylor Frank. The 2026 queen was crowned by the outgoing queen during a ceremony at Chimacum High School on Saturday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Rhody coronation

The members of the 2026 Rhody Festival royalty are, from left, Princess… Continue reading

Jefferson considering new site for solid waste

Commissioners direct further exploration

Public feedback still shaping Clallam ordinance on RV usage

Community Development department set to move sections of its proposal

Jen Colmore, Sequim Food Bank’s community engagement coordinator, has been hired as the executive director. She will start in her new role after outgoing director Andra Smith starts as executive director of the Washington Food Coalition later this month. (Sequim Food Bank)
Sequim Food Bank hires new executive director

Sequim organization tabs engagement coordinator

Sara Nicholls, executive director of the Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic, also known as the Sequim Free Clinic, inspects food items that are free to any patient who needs them. Soroptimist International of Sequim sponsors the food pantry, she said. (Austin James)
Sequim Free Clinic to celebrate 25th year

Volunteer-driven nonprofit will reach quarter-century mark in October

Weekly flight operations scheduled

Field carrier landing practice operations will take place for aircraft… Continue reading