Montesano, WA – On the 2nd day of Filing Week locally, nearly 50 candidates stepped forward and put their name in for public office.
33 people in Grays Harbor were added on Tuesday, with 15 voters filing in Pacific County.
A number of local races will now have multiple names on the ballot for voters, while many other seats received their first filings.
In Mayor races, The City of Ocean Shores has become a 3 person race with Dan Marlowe placing his name on the ballot along with Carlos Roldan and Mayor Crystal Dingler. This race is now scheduled to join the Aberdeen mayoral race and appear on the August Primary. An Ocean Shores City Council seat is also set for an August election, with 3 people filing 4 times for the seat currently held by Lisa Griebel. Richard Wills, Lorraine Hardin, and 2 filings by John Schroeder are all on the official candidate list. Schroeder filed twice within 3 minutes of each other. He would only appear once on the ballot once it is adjusted.
In other Mayor races, Steve Davis has filed against Kyle Pauley for Cosmopolis Mayor, while Brenda Orffer filed to retain her seat as McCleary Mayor.
For a seat as a Grays Harbor Public Hospital District #2 Commissioner, Lyunn Csernotta and Al Smith have both filed for the seat currnely held by Miles Longenbaugh. Longenbaugh has served as a Commissioner since the inception of the public hospital district in 2014.
In Pacific County, the South Bend School District has challengers in each of their open seats, while Raymond resident Michael Turner filed for a 1-year unexpired term helf by Judge Donald Richter. On Tuesday, Richter filed as well.
Filing Week runs until 4pm on Friday, May 17.
Filing fees are required for a number of offices, equaling 1% of the annual salaries.
The vast majority of offices are for full terms, while many positions are for unexpired or short and full terms. This includes the Port of Grays Harbor seats left open following the retirement of Chuck Caldwell and the passing of Jack Thompson.
The Grays Harbor County Auditor’s website has more information on what it takes to file for office, and what it means when you do; https://wei.sos.wa.gov/county/graysharbor/en/olf/Pages/OnlineCandidateFilingStart.aspx
Congratulations on your decision to run for public office!
The Association of Washington Cities, who represent and work for local cities, has prepared a booklet with information for those considering filing for office, going over the basic duties and obligations of elected officials.