PORT ANGELES — Friday marked the filing deadline for political candidates in the Sept. 20 primary and the Nov. 8 general election, and the official starting point for their campaigns.
People who make decisions at every level of local government in Clallam County will be chosen. There are no state or national positions up for election this fall.
The week’s filings produced primary races for one seat on the Port Angeles City Council, one seat on the Port Angeles School Board and a Quillayute Valley School Board position.
The top two vote-getters in the primary will advance to the general election.
Candidates who have no challengers or face only one foe go directly to November’s ballot.
Since city council and school district races are non-partisan, they are not affected by the legal challenge mounted by the state’s three political parties against the “top two” primary system approved by the state’s voters.
Four positions ignored
Four positions drew no candidates:
* Black Diamond Water District commissioner, Position 1.
* Clallam County Fire District No. 4, commissioner, District 4.
* Quillayute Valley Park and Recreation District commissioner, District 2
* Forks City Council, Position 1.
A special filing period will be held from 8:30 a.m. Monday through 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to attract candidates.
If no one files during this week’s special three-day filing period, the position will be closed, will not be on the Nov. 8 ballot and will be filled by the incumbent until he or she submits a letter of resignation. The positions will reopen for filing in 2007.
In addition, the position of Fire District 4 Commissioner, Position 4, will be open during the special three-day period. The job becomes vacant today, when the resignation of Mel Wilson takes effect.