Introduction to the Local Voters Pamphlet Primary August 19, 2008

Transcription

1 Introduction to the Local Voters Pamphlet Primary August 19, 2008 Dear Kitsap County Voter, 2008 is proving to be an historic year. Following the recent decision by the United States Supreme Court, Washington voters will, for the first time, participate in a Top 2 Primary. Originally adopted by Citizen Initiative 872 in 2004, the Washington Top 2 Primary allows voters to select one candidate from among all candidates for each office on the Primary Ballot. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes, regardless of party designation or political affiliation, proceed to the General Election. As you read through the sample ballot and candidate statements, you will see new references to candidate designations of political party. These new designations are in compliance with the ruling on the new Top 2 Primary system. This voters pamphlet contains important consolidated information about the candidates and the measure. It presents the candidate statements, photographs and contact information. It also includes detailed arguments for and against the City of Bremerton measure. Your ballot should arrive in the mail by August 7 th. Your voted ballot must be returned to the Office of the Kitsap County Auditor on or before 8:00 p.m. on August 19 th. You may return voted ballots through the mail or to one of several ballot deposit sites around the county (see page 5 for locations, dates and addresses). Additional information and resources can also be found on our website: and those websites listed below. Kitsap County has a tradition of record numbers of voters who participate in each election. Our Democracy draws its strength from participation of citizens who are informed in the elections process. Every vote is important. Indeed, throughout our history, many elections have been decided by just a single vote. In this historic election year, I encourage you to exercise your valuable right to vote. Let your voice be heard! Sincerely, WALT WASHINGTON Kitsap County Auditor Pamphlet Contents Ballot Deposit Locations... 5 Ballot Measures City of Bremerton Proposition No Ballot Sample... 6 Candidate Statements County Commissioner District County Commissioner District Auditor Elected Official Duties for Local Offices... 4 For Your Information... 2 Make Your Vote Count... 5 Maps Political Party Information Top 2 Primary & General Election Ballot... 3 Voter Registration Information Contact Kitsap County Elections Division at: (360) (206) from Bainbridge Island (253) from Olalla Additional Sources of Information: League of Women Voters website: Kitsap County election returns and Local Voters Pamphlet website: Washington State election returns and State Voters Pamphlet website: Ballots arrive in the mail before August 7, 2008

2 For Your Information Voting for President of the United States The office of President of the United States will appear on the November 4 th ballot. Congressional, State, Legislative, and Judicial Candidates A state Voters Pamphlet, published by the Secretary of State, will include all statewide offices as well as congressional, legislative, and judicial offices. The state pamphlet will be delivered by the post office to all residents of Kitsap County and is also available online at: Questions? If you have questions, call the Kitsap County Elections Division 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at: (360) (206) from Bainbridge Island (253) from Olalla Need a Replacement Ballot? If your ballot is damaged or lost, a replacement ballot may be obtained by calling the Kitsap County Elections Division 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at: (360) (206) from Bainbridge Island (253) from Olalla Kitsap Votes By Mail Kitsap County voters elected to conduct all elections by mail as of Ballots are mailed to military and overseas voters 30 days prior to each election and to all other registered voters 20 days prior to each election. Voters may return voted ballots by mail or use designated ballot deposit sites. Your Right to Privacy Every voter has the right to vote his or her ballot in secret. Any person attempting to vote when he or she is not entitled, or who falsely signs the affidavit, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars, or both such fine, and imprisonment. Local Voters Pamphlet Advisory Committee The purpose of the Local Voters Pamphlet Advisory Committee is to establish a series of up to three questions for candidates appearing in the Local Voters Pamphlet to use in preparing responses. Members of the 2008 Local Voters Pamphlet Advisory Committee are: Ellen Fisher, Chair of Kitsap County League of Women Voters; Jeff Rhodes, Editor of the Port Orchard Independent; Jeff Brody, Managing Editor of Kitsap Sun; Carl Olson, Chair of Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee; Jack Hamilton, Chair of Kitsap County Republican Central Committee; and Jeanie Schulze, Citizen Representative. Candidate and Committee Statements The Local Voters Pamphlet includes statements submitted by candidates for offices and committees for and against ballot measures. Statements printed in this pamphlet are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for spelling, factual, or grammatical accuracy by any official government agency. Participating Jurisdictions Participating districts in this Primary Local Voters Pamphlet are Kitsap County and the City of Bremerton. Disability Access Voting Federal and state law requires that all jurisdictions provide certified accessible voting devices which enable voters with disabilities to cast a ballot independently, and in private. Secure touch screen voting devices with audio capabilities and a voter verified paper trail are available for use in this Primary election at the following locations: Prior to Election Day Kitsap County Auditor Elections Division, 619 Division Street, Port Orchard, July 30 th through August 18 th, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Election Day from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Port Orchard - Kitsap County Administrative Building, 619 Division Street, in the Port Blakely Conference Room Poulsbo Poulsbo Fire Station, 911 Liberty Road In addition to the locations listed above, the following locations will also be available for voting at these specific dates and times: August 5: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Clearbrook Inn, Schold Place NW, Silverdale 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Country Meadows, Country Meadows LN NW, Silverdale August 6: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Claremont East, 2707 Clare Ave., Bremerton 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bay Pointe, 966 Oyster Bay Ct., Bremerton August 7: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Stafford Suites, 1761 Pottery Ave., Port Orchard 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sydney House, 155 Lippert Dr. W, Port Orchard August 8: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wyatt House, 186 Wyatt Way NW, Bainbridge Is 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Madison Ave Retirement Center, 285 Madison Ave. S, Bainbridge Is August 11: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Martha & Mary Health Services, Front St. NE, Poulsbo 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Liberty Shores, Viking Ave. NW, Poulsbo August 12: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Park Vista, 2944 SE Lund Ave., Port Orchard 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Washington Veterans Home, 1141 Beach Drive E., Port Orchard August 13: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Canterbury Manor, 703 Callahan Dr., Bremerton 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. The Vintage, 1717 Sheridan Rd., Bremerton August 14: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cypress Gardens, th St., Bremerton 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Ridgemont Terrace, 2051 Pottery Ave., Port Orchard August 15: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Montclair Park, 1250 NE Lincoln Rd., Poulsbo 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Crista Shores, 1600 NW Crista Shores Ln., Silverdale Write-ins Which Votes Can Be Counted Primary votes can only be counted if: The number of votes plus the number of under and over votes together could affect the outcome of the election. General Election votes can only be counted if: The candidate has not already been defeated in the Primary, and The number of votes plus the number of under and over votes together could affect the outcome of the election. Are You Registered To Vote? If you are registering to vote for the first time in Washington State and you wish to register in Kitsap County, you will need to do so in person at the Kitsap County Auditor s Office on or before August 4, in order to vote in the August 19, 2008 Primary. See page 13, Voter Registration Information.

3 Top 2 Primary Ballot Vote for 1 Candidate How did Washington s new Top 2 Primary become law? In 2004, Washington State Initiative 872 was passed by the people with almost 60% of the vote. Federal court rulings prevented implementation of this new Primary until early 2008 when the United States Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of I-872. The Top 2 Primary does not affect the Presidential Primary or the General Election Presidential candidate ballot choices. It is only for congressional, state and local races (except for Precinct Committee Officer). Voter Choice Voters do not have to pick a party on the Primary ballot. The purpose of the Primary is to winnow the number of candidates to two for the General Election. Voters may vote for any one candidate listed in each contest. Voters are voting for candidates, not choosing a political party s nominees. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the August Primary will advance to the November General Election (regardless of the party preference). Candidates for Partisan Office Candidates may state on the ballot a political party that he or she prefers. Candidates may choose to not state a party preference. A candidate s party preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party or that the party approves of or associates with that candidate. All candidates that file for partisan offices of congressional, state, or a Kitsap County local office appear on the August Primary ballot, including those that prefer a minor party. Political Parties Political parties are free to nominate or endorse candidates through their own process. The Primary plays no role in political nomination, and political nominations are not printed on the ballot. Candidates may mention political party nominations and endorsements in his/her voters pamphlet statements. Candidates that prefer a minor party are not required to conduct conventions and collect signatures in order to run for office. The Primary Ballot The order of candidate names listed on the Primary ballot is determined by lot. Even if only one or two candidates file, partisan offices will still appear in the Primary. The rules for Nonpartisan offices have not changed. The two candidates that receive the most votes and who receive at least 1% of all votes cast for that office in the Primary advance to the General Election. Kitsap County Commissioner Offices Kitsap County Commissioner Districts 1 and 2 are up for election this year. Only voters that reside within each defined Commissioner District boundary are eligible to vote for that office in the August Primary. However, all voters in Kitsap County are eligible to vote for candidates in the General Election. Precinct Committee Officer The Precinct Committee Officer race is the exception to the new Primary rules for local offices. This office is a position in each major political party. For this office only, if you consider yourself a Democrat or Republican, you may vote for a candidate of that party. Precinct Committee Officers are elected in the Primary. Who can be Elected in the Primary? If two or more candidates file for the office of Superior Court Judge and one candidate receives 50% or more of the vote in the Primary, then he/she is elected when the Primary is certified September 3, Precinct Committee Officer candidates are elected in the Primary and do not appear on the General ballot. On the General Election Ballot The General Election Ballot State measures will appear first on the ballot. Each candidate for President and Vice President is the official nominee of a political party. For all other partisan offices, candidates may state a political party that he or she prefers. The two candidates that receive the most votes in the Primary will appear on the General Election ballot. The candidate that receives the most votes is listed first. It is possible that the two candidates who advance to the General Election prefer the same party. The General Election is certified November 25,

4 Elected Official Duties for Local Offices COUNTY OFFICES County Commissioner Of Kitsap County s three Commissioner Districts only District 1 (North) and District 2 (South) are up for election this year. In the Primary, citizens within a district vote for one commissioner for that district. However, in the General Election, all voters in Kitsap County may cast a ballot for candidates running for these offices. The Board of County Commissioners primary duties are to adopt a balanced budget for the entire county operation and oversee all programs not expressly assigned by state law to any other elected official. The Board assists citizens, addresses constituent concerns, and sets policy for all county services. The Board acts as the full-time legislative arm of the county and oversees the many county departments: Administrative Services including budget, risk management, purchasing, and facilities management, Community Development land use, permitting, shorelines and natural resources management, and fire marshal, Information Systems including computer hardware and software maintenance and Geographic Information Services (GIS), Parks and Recreation including the county fair, parks maintenance and improvements, Personnel and Human Services including Aging & Long-Term Care and Senior Information & Assistance, and Public Works utilities programs such as roads, wastewater, solid waste, storm water, recycling, and engineering. Commissioners represent citizen interests on many regional and local boards, such as Kitsap Transit, Emergency Management, Central Communications (CenCom), the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority, the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council, and the Kitsap County Health Department. Auditor The County Auditor is the ex-officio deputy of the state auditor for the purpose of accounting and updating financial activities of the county, Supervisor of Elections, Registrar of Voters, Recorder, Motor Vehicle Licensing Agent and Chief Financial Officer for the county. The Elections and Voter Registration Division administers all federal, state, county, municipal and special purpose district elections held in Kitsap County. Up to four spring elections as well as the primary and general are held each year. This division maintains voter registration records for the county s 135,000 registered voters and makes changes to voter registration records at a rate of about 7,200 per month. Official public records of all real estate documents, deeds, and titles transacted in Kitsap County are indexed and maintained in the Auditor s Recording and Marriages Division. This division is also the repository for the official minutes of all Board of County Commissioner meetings and all other official county records, and maintains historical documents dating back to As the county s agent for the Washington State Department of Licensing, the Licensing Division issues vehicle and vessel licenses and tabs and processes title transfer applications. This division is also responsible for the collection of all gambling taxes in Kitsap County. The Auditor s Financial Management Division maintains the central accounting system to which all county departments and agencies report financial transactions. This division is responsible for control and issuance of all disbursements, financial accounting and reporting that includes a Comprehensive Financial Annual Report, grant accounting, payroll, and fixed asset inventory. Precinct Committee Officer A Precinct Committee Officer is an elected or appointed member of a major political party and is a Partisan Office. Precinct Committee Officers elect a chair and vice-chair of their party s county and legislative district central committees. They serve as the grass-roots link between voters in their precincts and the county and legislative district party organizations through voter registration, party identification, and support of candidates during elections. At the time of filing for office, candidates must be registered to vote in the precinct represented by the office they seek (RCW29A ). On the Primary ballot, for this office only, voters that consider themselves to be a Democrat or Republican, may vote for one of the candidates of that party. When will the Election Results be Final? Kitsap County will certify our Primary election results on September 3, The Office of the Secretary of State has until September 9, 2008, to certify the August 19 Primary. 4

5 Make Your Vote Count Vote it: Use a pencil or dark ink pen to connect the arrow by your choice with one single dark line. Your ballot is read by a machine that counts the marks you make between the arrows on your ballot. Marks that cover the arrows or marks outside the arrows delay the count of your ballot. Remove and discard the top ballot stub at the perforated line after you are finished voting. If you make a Mistake: Draw a line through the entire candidate s name like this: John Doe You then have the option of marking another choice if you wish. Just Right Too Thick Too Light Secure it: Never sign or print your name on the face of the ballot. Your signature should appear only on the lavender envelope. Place the voted ballot in the white secrecy envelope and seal it. Place the white secrecy envelope inside the lavender return envelope. Sign it: Read and sign the Voter Affidavit on the lavender envelope. The lavender envelope must be signed by you in order for your ballot to be counted. Your signature is matched with your voter record. Seal it: Seal the envelope so the privacy flap covers your signature as indicated on the envelope. Mail it: Affix a first-class postage stamp before you deposit your ballot in the mail or take your ballot to one of the ballot deposit locations listed below. Don t let your vote be too late in 2008! Mail your ballot early enough to ensure it is postmarked no later than August 19, 2008, Election Day. If you do not wish to return your ballot by mail, the following Ballot Deposit locations will be available: Prior to Election Day: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., County Administration Building in the Auditor s Office, 619 Division Street, Port Orchard. 24 hr. Ballot Deposit, on the Division Street side of the County Administration Building, corner of Division and Cline, Port Orchard. Saturday, August 16, 2008, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Silverdale Mall parking lot by NW Randall Way next to JCPenney at the Vote Mobile Van. Ballot Deposit Locations Election Day only from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bainbridge Island: Bainbridge Performing Arts Center, 200 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island. Bremerton: Kitsap Regional Library, Meeting Room, 1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton. Central Kitsap: Silverdale Community Center, Coho Room, 9729 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale. North Kitsap: Poulsbo Fire Station, 911 NE Liberty Road, Poulsbo. South Kitsap: Kitsap County Auditor - Elections Division, 619 Division Street, Port Orchard. If You Have Not Received Your Ballot If you are eligible to vote in this Primary and have not received your ballot by August 7, 2008, please contact the Kitsap County Elections Division for a replacement at: (360) , or (206) from Bainbridge Island, or (253) from Olalla. 5

6 Sample Ballot Sample Ballot Kitsap County, Washington Primary - August 19, 2008 To Vote Your Ballot: Connect the arrow by your choice with one single dark line like this: If you sign or place your name on this ballot, it cannot be counted. To vote for a candidate whose name is not on the ballot, write the candidate's name in the space provided. If you make a mistake: Draw a line through the entire candidate name like this: John Doe You then have the option of making another choice if you wish. Note to voters: This ballot contains all measures and races that will appear on the August 19, 2008 Primary Election ballot. Only the ballot issues that apply to the precinct where you are registered to vote will appear on your ballot. Each candidate for partisan office may state a political party that he or she prefers. A candidate's preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party, or that the party approves of or associates with that candidate. Federal - Partisan Office U.S. Representative Congressional District 1 2 Year Term Jay Inslee Larry Ishmael (Prefers G.O.P. Party) U.S. Representative Congressional District 6 2 Year Term Doug Cloud Norm Dicks Paul Richmond Gary Murrell (Prefers Green Party) State - Partisan Offices Governor Dino Rossi (Prefers G.O.P. Party) Will Baker (Prefers Reform Party) Christine Gregoire Duff Badgley (Prefers Green Party) John W. Aiken, Jr. Christian Pierre Joubert Christopher A. Tudor (States No Party Preference) Javier O. Lopez Mohammad Hasan Said (States No Party Preference) James White (Prefers Independent Party) State - Partisan Offices Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen Marcia McCraw Arlene A. Peck (Prefers Constitution Party) Jim Wiest (Prefers G.O.P. Party) Randel Bell Secretary of State Sam Reed Mark Greene (Prefers Party of Commons Party) Jason Osgood Marilyn Montgomery (Prefers Constitution Party) State Treasurer Allan Martin Jim McIntire ChangMook Sohn State Auditor Brian Sonntag Glenn Freeman (Prefers Constitution Party) J. Richard (Dick) McEntee State - Partisan Offices Attorney General John Ladenburg Rob McKenna Commissioner of Public Lands Peter J. Goldmark Doug Sutherland State - Nonpartisan Office Superintendent of Public Instruction John Patterson Blair Don Hansler Randy Dorn David Blomstrom Enid Duncan Teresa (Terry) Bergeson State - Partisan Office Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler John R. Adams Curtis Fackler (States No Party Preference) 6

7 Sample Ballot (continued) Legislative District 23 County - Partisan Offices Judicial - Nonpartisan Offices State Senator Phil Rockefeller Connie Lord County Commissioner District 1 Short and Steve Bauer Sandra LaCelle Court of Appeals Division 2 District 2 Position 1 6 Year Term (Joyce) Robin Hunt Tim Ford State Representative Position 1 2 Year Term Larry Cooney Sherry V. Appleton State Representative Position 2 2 Year Term Christine Rolfes Mark Lowe Legislative District 26 State Representative Position 1 2 Year Term Jan Angel (Prefers G.O.P. Party) Kim Abel State Representative Position 2 2 Year Term Marlyn Jensen Larry Seaquist Legislative District 35 State Representative Position 1 2 Year Term Kathy Haigh Marco Brown (Blue Collar) Brad Gehring County Commissioner District 2 Charlotte Garrido Monty Mahan Tim Matthes Paul Nuchims (Prefers Independent Party) County Auditor 2 Year Unexpired Term John Clark Walt Washington Judicial - Nonpartisan Offices Supreme Court Justice Position 3 6 Year Term Mary Fairhurst Michael J. Bond Supreme Court Justice Position 4 6 Year Term Charles W. Johnson C.F. (Frank) Vulliet James M. Beecher Supreme Court Justice Position 7 Short and 6 Year Term Debra L. Stephens Superior Court Judge, Court 1 Bruce Danielson Jeanette Dalton Gregory J. Wall City of Bremerton Proposition No. 1 Emergency Medical Care and Services Tax Shall the City of Bremerton, be authorized to continue its emergency medical services property tax levy at fifty cents ($.50) or less per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) of assessed valuation for each year for six (6) consecutive years commencing in 2009? Election of Political Party Precinct Committee Officer Partisan Office Precinct Committee Officer is a position in each major political party. For this office only: If you consider yourself a Democrat or Republican, you may vote for a candidate of that party. For a candidate, include party. 2 Year 2 Year Term Term Yes No State Representative Position 2 2 Year Term Fred Finn Daryl Daugs Herb Baze (Prefers R Party) Randy Neatherlin (Prefers (G.O.P.) Party) 7

8 Steve Bauer County Partisan Offices PO Box 325 Hansville, WA Phone: (360) Website: Are you an approved candidate of your preferred party? yes no not applicable X What background and experience do you bring to this office? I am the incumbent County Commissioner. I am familiar with the issues in County Government and the 10 other Boards and Commissions I sit on. I have 29 years government experience, including being City Manager of Bellevue and Director of Finance and Administration of Portland, Oregon. I have a B.A. from Columbia University and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of California, Berkeley. I served as a Coast Guard Officer in Seattle. County Commissioner District 1 Short and I grew up in the Northwest and understand Northwest values and lifestyle. I have volunteered extensively as a mediator, an EMT, a wildlife rehabilitator and President of the Hansville Community Center. I was named a Hansville Outstanding Citizen. My wife and I have three children and 4 grand children. I am an avid gardener and sailor. If elected, what will be your top two priorities, and how will you accomplish them? My top priority is to see that the County spends tax dollars wisely. My first budget as County Commissioner was the first in years to be adopted without spending reserves. Financial shortfalls threaten County services. The County must be efficient, creative and accountable to the public. I will rely on my extensive financial experience and the involvement of Kitsap citizens to ensure that vital County services are provided to our citizens. Second, I will protect our quality of life and environment while we accommodate future growth and create clean jobs. Responsible growth requires adequate infrastructure, transportation solutions, parks, affordable housing and protection of our natural environment. I am working to protect and restore Puget Sound and Hood Canal. Sandra LaCelle PO Box 1824 Silverdale, WA Phone: (360) sandraclacelle@gmail.com Website: Are you an approved candidate of your preferred party? yes no not applicable X What background and experience do you bring to this office? I am a member of a small county advisory subcommittee that recently reviewed requests for funding on new projects and was an active part of the deliberation process in deciding what factors were important in deciding what projects would receive funding, and then I participated in that funding decision process. We had to look long term at the sustainability of the projects, the population served, and the cost in relation to the expected results. In my career as a lawyer I respect the rule of law, am a good listener, and I am thorough in my reading of documents and research, which are all important skills used in the everyday work of a county commissioner. As a wife and mother I know the difficulties and challenges of running a household while facing rising costs associated with the necessities of day to day living. If elected, what will be your top two priorities, and how will you accomplish them? Promoting the understanding that government operates for, and at the will of the people is a priority, and reviewing policies currently in place regarding public meetings, budget decisions, and the customer service aspects of county offices to ensure the public is well served and heard is necessary and important. Ensuring Olympia knows that Kitsap County has growing and serious transportation needs, especially with the closure next year of the Hood Canal Bridge, that need addressing before our economy suffers further from fewer consumers, which will negatively impact our county s tax base and our ability to perform essential services. Charlotte Garrido PO Box 511 Olalla, WA Phone: (360) info@charlottegarrido.com Website: Are you an approved candidate of your preferred party? yes no not applicable X What background and experience do you bring to this office? As a citizen, a professional, and as an elected official, I have never stopped working for Kitsap County. My experiences organizing workshops and conferences, consulting on a baccalaureate program for this area, and serving as a commissioner for Kitsap County and for SK Parks have strengthened my networks and abilities to get things done. For example, as County Commissioner, I am proud of our strategic approach to increase government efficiency while reducing costs. My County Commissioner District 2 leadership to locate the WorkSource Center in Bremerton assures that job seekers can easily find job placement and training services. And, collaborative relationships built around a local university center have set a practical solution in motion. If elected, what will be your top two priorities, and how will you accomplish them? I believe people have the power to make a difference. Our future depends on a strong economy, a healthy environment and local people working together. As your County Commissioner these are my three priorities for a Kitsap County we can proudly call our home. Your opinion counts. I will listen to county residents and represent your voice in local government. In today s tumultuous economy, economic viability and sustainability are not only complementary, but necessary. I will support Kitsap businesses, jobs and opportunities for all. Kitsap is one of the most beautiful settings in the world and we must steward our natural resources now and into the future. I will stand up for Puget Sound, protect working farms and forests, and support green building and low impact development. Together, we can make a difference! Candidate statements for this position continued on the next page. 8 The candidate statements are printed as submitted. No spelling, grammatical or other corrections have been made.

9 County Partisan Offices County Commissioner District 2 - Continued Monty Mahan 5718 E. Hillcrest Drive Port Orchard, WA Phone: (360) montymahan@gmail.com Website: Are you an approved candidate of your preferred party? yes no not applicable X What background and experience do you bring to this office? Monty grew up in South Kitsap, graduating from South Kitsap High School in He earned his Bachelor s Degree in Business Administration from University of Washington and his Masters Degree in Public Administration from Evergreen State College. He was on the Kitsap County Planning Commission from He is the officially nominated candidate of the Democratic Party. He worked for ten years in Kitsap County Public Works as a negotiator and infrastructure planner. Monty ensured that projects addressed the needs of many different interest groups. Monty has seven years experience as Pierce Conservation District Director. He works closely with legislators, and all levels of local government. He works with the public to solve difficult issues during tight budget times. Monty, his wife Sandy, and their nine children live near Port Orchard. If elected, what will be your top two priorities, and how will you accomplish them? Monty will fix big problems. He will discourage irresponsible development of rural areas and forestlands. Monty will work to build the Bethel Road Project as inexpensively as possible. Monty will do this by working personally on these issues. He ll meet with community members where they live, to understand their views. Monty relates well with people of all political persuasions. Monty will be present at the Kitsap County Courthouse, to help citizens when they need him. He will limit his travel to meetings that have a direct impact upon Kitsap County and its citizens. Monty will take stands on important issues, and will inspire County employees to give their best. Learn more about Monty by visiting his blog at Tim Matthes PO Box 1716 Port Orchard, WA Phone: (360) tim@timforkitsap.com Website: Are you an approved candidate of your preferred party? yes no not applicable X What background and experience do you bring to this office? As a member of the Board of Equalization, I have heard over 1,200 property tax appeals in 6 years. I am on the Port Orchard Planning Commission and served on the Silverdale Advisory Council. My first-hand knowledge of Kitsap County issues comes from practical experience: being directly involved and working with both citizens and the county. Over the years, I have attended hundreds of workstudy and county meetings. I have studied and understand the Growth Management Act, the Critical Areas Ordinance, and the Washington Growth Management Hearing Board s decisions. I know how deceptive laws, rules and regulations increase taxes and discourage new businesses. I am also painfully aware of the disastrous effects ever-increasing taxes have on all of us, especially those with fixed incomes. Yet there is still hope! I am not afraid to boldly tackle and resolve these issues on your behalf. If elected, what will be your top two priorities, and how will you accomplish them? First, I will limit new taxes and regulations. How? By actually listening to voters and opposing all tax increases that are not voter approved. Note, for example, all the new fees added to car tabs. How has that been working for you? Second, I will use common sense when crafting regulations, and look to maximize efficiency in county offices. How? By repealing unnecessary or repetitive regulations and creating a more citizen-friendly courthouse. We have a lot of work to do to rein in over-taxation and regain citizen control of our government. With your vote, and your support, we will. Visit my website to learn more: Paul Nuchims (Prefers Independent Party) PO Box 4863 South Colby, WA Phone: (360) pnuchims@aol.com Website: Are you an approved candidate of your preferred party? yes no not applicable X What background and experience do you bring to this office? Retired college professor, administrator, state foundation executive director, Whatcom County community board member and water district liaison, small business owner, Port Orchard Design Review Board member. If elected, what will be your top two priorities, and how will you accomplish them? A. To educate the other candidates and the voters on what the real issues are and to help the other candidates and citizens be prepared for the future. The position of Commissioner is difficult because one has to balance the individual citizen s desires and requests with a sometimes indifferent county bureaucracy that claims too often that the problems are with federal and state rules and agencies. This commissioner will have to be the ombudsman for the people; he or she will have to get out into our communities, especially unincorporated communities like Manchester and Olalla, so that the county bureaucracy doesn t continue to muddle up development that results in dissatisfied residents, spiraling taxes, views destroyed rather than shared, and inevitable costly litigation. Shame! B. I believe that the establishment of a major university in South Kitsap is key to improving our quality of life and K-12 education because, by offering a number of degree programs including masters degrees, the results will be the improvement of the knowledge and expertise of our K-12 teachers. Votes? Improving our quality of life and the wisdom which is a corollary to it is more important than merely who wins this contest. I salute Charlotte, Tim and Monty for stepping forward. The candidate statements are printed as submitted. No spelling, grammatical or other corrections have been made. 9

10 John Clark County Partisan Offices Hoved Road NE Poulsbo, WA Phone: (360) Website: Are you an approved candidate of your preferred party? yes no not applicable X What background and experience do you bring to this office? I learned from different cultures being raised in an Air Force family: educated in many states, France, Germany and North Africa. I bring a combination of education, business and government service. I have my degree and 25 years experience in the hospitality profession. I was appointed National Advisory Council Chairman for the US Small Business Administration. Other government appointments were to the Hawaii Water Commission and to the Governor s Election Board of appeals. County Auditor 2 Year Unexpired Term These experiences will be the foundation for providing effective independent leadership in the county budget process. My marketing/public relations training will positively influence communications from this office to the public. I will promote technology and systems developments to improve effectiveness in this office and on an interdepartmental basis. If elected, what will be your top two priorities, and how will you accomplish them? To promote greater voter confidence by working diligently to ensure creditable, trustworthy, secure elections. I have worked in elections serving as poll worker, judge, recount chief, and auditor of vote counting systems and electronic readers. I will utilize this experience and advance innovative technology to increase effectiveness in the systems we use for elections. To work as consumer advocate with our tax dollars as the third member of the County s Finance Committee under authority of the Washington State Constitution. The auditor is responsible for processing claims and warrants, payments by the county and checking them against the County budget. This allows the Auditor to act as the checks and balances for the handling of county funds. Kitsap citizens are entitled to know the financial condition of the county. Walt Washington PO Box 1612 Port Orchard, WA Phone: (360) auditorwalt@aol.com Website: Are you an approved candidate of your preferred party? yes no not applicable X What background and experience do you bring to this office? A decorated veteran, my background includes over nineteen years experience directly related to managing the diverse services provided by the County Auditor licensing services; elections administration; finance, payroll and accounting; and records management. With a degree in Personnel Management, private-sector finance experience and a proven record as a public official, my experience has prepared me well to serve as your County Auditor. I have overseen the implementation of 344 changes to state and federal elections laws, encouraged citizen and political party involvement in observation of the election processes, conducted five elections last year processing 466,555 ballots, implemented efficiencies to get licenses to you faster than almost any other place in the state, and completed a topnotch Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. If elected, what will be your top two priorities, and how will you accomplish them? As your County Auditor, my top priorities are: 1) to ensure that the Auditor s office is responsive and accountable to you, the public and 2) to maintain the integrity of our elections process. My pledge to you is to ensure timely and accurate fiscal reporting, secure access to public records, quality and efficient customer service, promotion of voter participation and transparency in election administration. Kitsap County has been my home for almost ten years. My wife, Mayre and I are dedicated to this community. We have a longstanding commitment to service and grassroots participation here in Kitsap. It is an honor and a privilege to serve you as Kitsap County Auditor. I ask for your vote. For additional information, please visit Be Sure to Sign Your Ballot Envelope Your signature next to the oath on the mailing envelope is required. It prevents another person from casting your ballot! All signatures are verified against signatures on original voter registration cards prior to processing the ballot. If you have not received your ballot by August 7, and you are a registered voter, please contact the Kitsap County Auditor s Election Division at or from Bainbridge Island or from Olalla. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 10 The candidate statements are printed as submitted. No spelling, grammatical or other corrections have been made.

11 City of Bremerton Proposition No. 1 Emergency Medical Care and Services Tax Official Ballot Title Shall the City of Bremerton, be authorized to continue its emergency medical services property tax levy at fifty cents ($.50) or less per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) of assessed valuation for each year for six (6) consecutive years commencing in 2009? Explanatory Statement (Prepared by the Attorney for the City of Bremerton, as prescribed by law.) RCW provides that a taxing district may impose additional regular property tax levies for emergency medical care and services, including related costs for personnel, training for such personnel, equipment, supplies, vehicles and structures needed for the provision of emergency medical care or services in an amount up to, but not exceeding, fifty cents ($.50) per thousand dollars ($1000) of assessed value of property in the taxing district. The tax may be imposed either (a) each year for six consecutive years, (b) each year for ten consecutive years, or (c) permanently. A tax levy under this section must be authorized by a 60% majority vote. Effect of the proposed measure, if it becomes law: The City of Bremerton adopted Resolution No. 3059, which contains a proposition to be submitted to the qualified voters of the district for approval or rejection of additional property tax levies to fund emergency medical services. If approved, the City of Bremerton will levy additional regular property taxes in the of amount of $.50 per $1000 of assessed property value for each of the years Revenue collected by this levy may only be used for emergency medical care or services and related costs. Statement For the Measure The City of Bremerton and Bremerton Fire Department is seeking a continuation/renewal of the existing EMS levy. This is not a new tax, but an established source of funding which has received the support of the citizens of Bremerton since its inception and subsequent renewal every six years. Passage of the EMS levy in 1980 allowed the Bremerton Fire Department to buy equipment and acquire training for the first paramedics in Kitsap County. Initial revenue was used to create the Medic One program, purchase a medic van and send firefighters to paramedic training. In 1981, the department responded to 1,995 aid calls. By 2007, the continued support of the EMS levy allowed the Medic One program to expand to three medic units and respond to over 6,000 requests for aid with no significant increase in personnel. The levy is the cornerstone of funding for a system which trains EMS personnel, purchases medical equipment, supplies and vehicles necessary to provide advanced life support medical services for the city. The department is grateful for the support of the citizens, has demonstrated good stewardship of these funds and hopes to continue this service to its residents uninterrupted for the next six years. Rebuttal to the Statement Against The private ambulance company responds with Bremerton Fire Department units as a supplemental service, not a duplicate service, to transport patients with non life-threatening conditions. This partnership allows the greatest efficiency of resources, low response times, and greater availability of paramedic units to treat and transport life-threatening emergencies. There is no charge for calling 911 and receiving a fire department response. There is only a charge for transport to the hospital. Statement and rebuttal prepared by: Ed Wolf, Attorney - Wolfe Law Office; Scott Bosch, President and CEO of Harrison Medical Center; and H. Emily Moshay, Citizen. Further questions may be addressed by calling (360) Statement Against the Measure While I believe that every community needs essential services such as EMS, I feel a need to question if we are getting the best use of our tax dollar, or is it just the most expedient. The local ambulance company shows up with EMS and the severity of the injury determines which service transports to the hospital. Sever cases by EMS others go by the ambulance company. It is my understanding that there is a substantial fee for transportation by both, EMS and the ambulance. Our tax dollars only gets EMS to our doors. It appears for the most part we have a duplication of services. In this era of higher prices, state and local governments wanting more of our dollar, a hard look needs to be taken by the public and fire department to see if saving can not be made. Just saying we need the levy for continued services, seems to me a somewhat disingenuous in this day and age, without a very hard look and what we are getting for our tax dollar. Rebuttal to the Statement For Because of the increased value of property taxes it appears that the Medic One Unit gets a sizable increase every time a new levy is passed, does it really need to be 50 cents on the thousand or could they do with less, tighten our belts, they need to. Of the 6,000 per year response one has to wonder how many were transported by the local ambulance company. Statement and rebuttal prepared by Vern Christiansen, Voter/Taxpayer. Further questions may be addressed by ing xiansen1@comcast.net Persuasive statements are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for factual or grammatical accuracy by any official government agency. 11

12 Political Party Information Major Political Parties A Major Political Party is a political party where any statewide office received at least 5% of the total vote cast at the last preceding state General Election in an even numbered year. Washington State has two major political parties Democratic and Republican. Democratic Party Washington State Democratic Party 615 Second Ave, Suite 580, PO Box 4027, Seattle, WA Phone: (206) Fax: (206) Website: info@wa-democrats.org Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee PO Box 27, Silverdale, WA Phone: (360) Website: Republican Party Washington State Republican Party 2840 Northup Way, Suite 140, Bellevue, WA Phone: (425) Fax: (425) Website: comments@wsrp.org Kitsap County Republican Party PO Box 348, Port Orchard, WA Phone: (360) Website: admin@kitsaprepublicans.org Contributions to Candidates and Political Committees Contribution Limits: State law sets contribution limits on donations to legislative, state executive, and judicial office candidates as well as bona fide political party and caucus political committees. Anyone who donates more than a total of $25.00 in monetary and in-kind contributions must be identified by name and full address. Occupation, employer name, city, and state are required for contributions of more than $ Minor Political Parties A Minor Political Party is any political party where no statewide office received more than 5% of the total vote cast at the last preceding state General Election in an even numbered year. Constitution Party of Washington SE 240th St. PMB 135 Kent, Washington Phone: (253) Internet: contactus@constitutionpartyofwa.com Green Party of Washington State PO Box 1305 South Bend, WA Phone: (360) Internet: info@wagreens.us Party of Commons PO Box 612 Bellevue, WA Internet: partyofcommons@yahoo.com Reform Party of Washington 1122 East Pike Street PMB#539 Seattle, WA Internet: chair@washington.reformparty.org Public Disclosure Commission for Washington State contacts are: Phone: (360) or toll free at (877) pdc@pdc.wa.gov or website: Want more information on the Top 2 Primary? To find more information about the Top 2 Primary and I-872, go to the Secretary of State s website: 12

13 Voter Registration Information Who is Eligible to Vote? To register to vote, one must be: A United States citizen 18 years of age on or before the next election A legal resident of the State of Washington Not currently denied civil rights as a result of a felony conviction or declared mentally incompetent How Can I Register? Online: A valid Washington State Driver s License or ID is needed. Go to and click the online voter registration icon. Paper form: Complete a Mail-In Voter Registration Form and mail it to the preprinted return address on the form, or complete the form in person at the Auditor s Office - Elections Division. Forms are available at: Kitsap County - Elections Division 619 Division Street, Port Orchard (The County Administration Building) City and Town Halls All Regional Libraries, Public Schools, and Fire Districts Most State and Federal Agencies (Department of Licensing, Social Security, Congressional, etc.) The Mail-In Voter Registration Form can be downloaded from the Secretary of State s website When Can I Register in Kitsap County? Individuals may register to vote at any time. Registration applications must be postmarked or received at least 30 days prior to an election in order to vote in that election. First time voters or persons moving into the state have until 15 days prior to an election to register by appearing in person at the Auditor s Office - Elections Division and completing a voter registration application. Address Change Registered voters who move within Kitsap County are required by law to change the address of their voter registration This may be done by mail or by calling the Elections Division at (360) , or (206) from Bainbridge Island, or (253) from Olalla New residents who wish to vote in Kitsap County must complete a new registration application Name Change If you have legally changed your name for any reason, you must complete a new voter registration form in your new name with your new signature and return it to the address provided on the form or to the Auditor s Office. The new registration form requires that you provide your prior name and prior signature in the middle section of the form. How You Can Help Notify us of any change to your address. When You Move If your mailing or residence address has changed within Kitsap County, your voter record must be updated. You can easily update your record by one of two ways: Print, complete and mail the form available online at: Call our office for address changes within the county and provide your new information: (360) , from Bainbridge Island (206) , from Olalla (253) A new voter registration card will be mailed after your address change is processed. To Cancel Your Voter Registration In addition to notification from state agencies, you can assist us in the challenge of obtaining the required documentation to cancel registered voters who have moved out of Kitsap County or who have recently passed away. Provide a statement signed by the voter, or in the case of a deceased voter, a family member may provide written and signed authorization to request cancellation. Military or Overseas Voters If you are a military or overseas voter, you may be eligible for an Early Ballot and other options that will help ensure your ballot is received on time. For example: An Early Ballot is available for those who believe they would not receive a regular ballot in time to vote and return it: By written request, an Early Ballot is available as early as 90 days before an election The Early Ballot will list only the offices, candidates, and measures known at the time of the request An or a fax ballot may be an option if you are out of the area and would not receive a mailed ballot in time to vote and return it by Election Day Specific needs may be addressed by contacting us at: (360) or by at auditor@co.kitsap.wa.us 13

14 Kitsap County Congressional & Legislative Districts Each Congressional District includes approximately 655,000 residents (based on the 2000 census). The 1 st District includes portions of Kitsap, Snohomish, and King Counties. The 6 th District includes portions of Kitsap and Pierce counties, and all of Jefferson, Clallam, Mason, and Grays Harbor counties. A detailed map is available on the web at Each Legislative District includes approximately 120,000 residents (based on the 2000 census). The 23 rd District lies wholly within Kitsap County. The 26 th District includes portions of Kitsap and Pierce counties. The 35 th District includes portions of Kitsap, Thurston, and Grays Harbor Counties and all Mason County. A detailed map is available on the web at 14

15 Kitsap County Commissioner Districts Each Commissioner District includes approximately equal portions of the county population (based on the 2000 census). A detailed map is available on the web at 15

16 Official 2008 Local Voters Pamphlet The right of voting...is the primary right by which other rights are protected. -Thomas Paine Published by the Office of the Kitsap County Auditor Official 2008 Local Voters Pamphlet WALTER E. WASHINGTON Kitsap County Auditor Elections Division MS Division Street Port Orchard, WA (360) NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID KITSAP COUNTY RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER ECRWSS The right of voting...is the primary right by which other rights are protected. -Thomas Paine Published by the Office of the Kitsap County Auditor