03/30/2006: "Gene Knapp To Run For County Council"

( Press Release) Gene Knapp, former elected County official and long time Orcas resident, announced today his intent to seek the District 5 (Orcas East) County Council Member position that was newly created by the Home Rule Charter, voted overwhelmingly into law by the citizens of San Juan County in November 2005.

Knapp said, "I've served as an elected public official in several capacities, but this opportunity allows the unique possibility of looking at the long-term goals of County residents and setting the direction of the future. The Charter has established a model of public service at the legislative level that allows focus on the big issues that confront our community, and I'm prepared to address them." He added that his "background as Prosecuting Attorney, Freeholder, Land Bank commissioner and chair, as well as participation on other local boards, will be helpful in working with an expanded County Council and a new County Administrator."

Prior to moving to Orcas, Knapp practiced law, taught Business Law (University of Washington) and Trial Practice (University of Washington School of Law) in Seattle. He was elected San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney in 1979 and served two terms. He was also a member of the Supreme Court Task Force that rewrote this state's Rules of Evidence. Gene continues to practice law, currently commuting daily by ferry to his office in Bellingham and runs San Juan County's Orcas Island Free Legal Clinic. He has successfully handled hundreds of jury and non-jury trials and was nominated Washington State Super Lawyer five consecutive years (1999-2004).

Gene Knapp will conclude his distinguished law career this summer and looks forward to meeting and talking to his District 5 neighbors as he campaigns enthusiastically to represent them on the County Council.