PORT TOWNSEND — The two hopefuls for Jefferson County prosecuting attorney — incumbent Juelie Dalzell and challenger Peggy Ann Bierbaum — politely and politically duked it out for the last time Monday before Election Day today, mostly debating Dalzell’s record over the past eight years.
Because the two, both Democrats, are the only ones on the primary ballot, and there are no Republican candidates, the winner of the all-mail election ending tonight will essentially win the four-year term.
The winner’s name will appear on the ballot of the general election Nov. 7, but that’s considered a formality.
They appeared before the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce on Monday at Fort Worden State Park.
Bierbaum, 49, a private practice lawyer living in Quilcene, asked voters to consider three things when casting their ballot: Whether they feel safer than they did eight years ago, whether is it easier for their children to obtain methamphetamine, and if there are more criminal convictions taking place at the county courthouse.
Luncheon audience
“If the answer is no to any or all of these, then it’s time for a change,” Bierbaum told about 50 in the luncheon audience at Fort Worden Commons.
Dalzell, a 58-year-old Cape George-area resident seeking her third four-year term, told audience members that her annual trial budget is limited to $6,000.
Regardless, she said, her felony convictions total 66 to date.
She said she wants four more years to continue to see through a felony diversion program and bad-check restitution program.
“I have no political agenda whatsoever,” Dalzell said.
“This is the only public position I have ever sought.”