Election 2007: Local and county positions up for grabs

By Pat Grubb

Residents eager to have their say in government will have to wait until the November general election.

That’s because only one elected position, that of fire commissioner, has attracted more than two candidates. Nevertheless, here is a rundown of local positions that are up this year. Remember: this year the primary election takes place August 21, a move up from the regular September date.

Whatcom County positions

Port of Bellingham commissioner – Blaine resident Jim Jorgensen is unopposed in his run for a second term as Whatcom County port commissioner.

County executive – Seeking his fourth four-year term as county executive, Pete Kremen will be facing his first opponent ever for the position, Lois Garlick, a well-known local environmentalist.

County treasurer – With Barbara Cory retiring, Bellingham resident Joe Elenbaas will face Ferndale resident Steve Oliver in November.
County assessor – Keith Wilnauer is running unopposed for his fifth full four-year term.

County sheriff – Former Blaine police chief Bill Elfo is unopposed in his bid for county sheriff, a position he has held since 2003.

County auditor – Shirley Forslof, running unopposed, was first elected in 1988.

Blaine city council

Ward 1, position 1 – Former Blaine mayor John Liebert is running unopposed.

Ward 2, position 3 – Scott Dodd is running unopposed for the seat being vacated by Ken Ely.

Ward 3, position 5 – First term council member Jason Overstreet faces a challenge from planning commissioner David Gallion.
Blaine school district

District 1 – Blaine resident Chuck Green will face off against Point Roberts resident Campbell McClusky.

District 4 – Board member Charles Gibson who was appointed to his position will seek voter approval unopposed.

District employee Joanne Freeman had placed her name on the ballot but apparently chose the wrong district and has been disqualified by the county auditor.

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue Service commission
(Fire district 21)

Position 3 – The only election race that will appear on the primary August 21 is this one.
The top two finishers will go on to the November general election. Running is incumbent Eddie Lathers, Bellingham resident Roger Hawley and Blaine resident Kathy Stauffer, a former Blaine city council member.

Birch Bay Water and Sewer
District commissioner
Former Blaine teacher, C-Shop owner and incumbent Patrick Allesse once again will romp home unopposed.