SEQUIM — Thinking about running for office this year?
Then there are a few things six elected officials say you should know.
First, get to know what you’re getting into.
“Go to meetings and stay until the end,” said Sequim School Board Vice President Virginia O’Neil.
“Maybe this is for you, maybe it’s not.”
Secondly, be ready to commit many hours to a job that is more of a volunteer position than anything.
Thirdly, be ready to have a thick skin and always keep in touch with your constituents.
“The people may have given you the right to vote, but you need to keep that door open,” said Port Angeles School Board President Cindy Kelly.
And lastly, don’t forget why you ran for the job.
“Don’t lose your idealism about public service,” said Clallam County commission Chairman Mike Doherty.
They made those comments during a League of Women Voters of Clallam County forum Saturday at the Sequim Library.
The forum was intended for those who are considering running for office.
Nine people attended, including one announced candidate, Linda Barnfather, a Sequim Democrat running for the Clallam County commission seat being vacated by Steve Tharinger, who won election in November to the state Legislature as a reprepsetnative of the 24th District, which covers
Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County.
No one else said they were considering running for office.
Also speaking at the forum were Carol Boardman, former Port Angeles City Council member and former Clallam County commissioner; Port Angeles City Council member Max Mania and Sequim Mayor Pro Tem Laura Dubois.
Fifty positions are open in Clallam County in the November general election.
Forty-eight are open in Jefferson County.
The candidate filing period will be June 6-10.
For more information on open positions and running for office, visit the Clallam County and Jefferson County auditor’s offices at 223 E. Fourth St. Port Angeles and 1820 Jefferson St. Port Townsend.
Or, visit the websites at www.clallam.net and www.co.jefferson.wa.us.
The League of Women Voters plan to hold another forum in June on how to run a campaign.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.