08/02/2005: "On Selecting a County Commissioner"

The BOCC will begin -and perhaps complete- the selection process for a new County Commissioner today, August 2, 2005, starting at 1:30. According to the Board Clerk: "There is the probability, after the candidate interviews, of the Board calling an executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(h): to evaluate the qualifications of a candidate for appointment to elective Office".

Commissioner Lichter has on numerous occasions forcefully stated his commitment to the Boards actions taking place "as transparently, and as open, as possible". Today only one vote will be required to allow the public to view and hear how the selection process proceeds, and how the decision will be reached, as to who will replace former Commissioner Miller.

Based on the history of the Board calling an executive session anytime the law allows, it is assumed the probability of this occurring today is quite high, but since this directly effects the citizens of the County, it would be nice if any discussions that lead to a selection were to take place in front of the public. We for one want to know how the decision was made; not just who was selected.

A quick recap of the process to date, and what can happen: Both Commissioners Lichter and Ranker have received input as to who Miller's appointment should be, and given the pressing issues in front of the BOCC, it is expected they will move forward with a full Board as quickly as possible. If the Board cannot agree on a replacement within 60 days, the Governor is authorized to make the appointment. But whomever the replacement may be, it will be the county voters in the November election that will decided who the District 3 Commissioner will be for the next four years.

Before the November election, there will be the primary election, which will be held on September 20. If three or more candidates file for a position in the primary, the two candidates with the most votes will move forward to the General Election ballot for the November 8th election.