One previously unannounced candidate threw his hat in the Oak Harbor political ring when the official filing period for the November election opened Monday in the Island County Auditor’s Office.
Jim Palmer filed for the city council position being abandoned by Sue Karahalios, who is running for mayor.
Palmer, the former Oak Harbor Radio Shack owner, is a certified business appraiser and business counselor, and has been active in the community, including serving as Rotary president in 2000-2001 and serving on the board of the stadium committee.
“I understand the financial side of business very well,” said Palmer.
His interest in the position has been piqued by what he referred to as a “significant period of change coming in Oak Harbor.”
“I believe that city council will be most efficient with members of diverse backgrounds,” he said. “I have a sincere desire to help improve the community of Oak Harbor and believe that using my experience in business and finance coupled with a set of fresh eyes will be an important ingredient in providing a strong and efficient city council.”
On Tuesday, a challenger to Palmer turned up when Clairann Haney filed for the position. This is her second run at a city position.
After a surprise announcement by Mayor Patty Cohen that she would not seek reelection, current council members Karahalios and Paul Brewer decided to run for mayor, followed by Jim Slowik, who spent years on the Oak Harbor School Board.
Rick Almberg, a seven-year member of the city planning commission, announced in March that he would run for the city council seat currently held by Larry Eaton.
Beth Munns, a long-time community volunteer, announced last week that she will run for the council seat held by Brewer. She will face-off against Chris Hiteshew.
Elsewhere, incumbent Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard will again run for the position.
On the Coupeville City Council, incumbent Marshall Bronson will be challenged by Ann Dannhauer and Robert Clay and Molly Hughes will seek to retain their current seats.
For the Oak Harbor School Board, Peter Hunt filed Monday to run for Kathy Jones’ seat on the five-member board and David Sherman has filed to run for Vicki Harring’s seat on the board. Although he hasn’t filed yet, Dave McCool has indicated he will run again for another term on the school board.
Both Don Sherman and Carol Bishop have filed to run again for their respective seats on the Coupeville School Board.
The Public Hospital District will see at least one new face. Barbara Saugen chose not to run again and Bert Speir will run for District 3. Roger Case filed Monday to run for his current position in District 4.
As of Tuesday, incumbents Roger Sherman and Vin Sherman had filed to run for their current positions with Cemetery District 2.
Incumbent Benye Weber will go up against Dennis Parbs for the Port of Coupeville District 2 position.
For Fire District 2, appointed incumbent Bruce Carman has filed. Kenon Simmons has filed for Fire District 3 on South Whidbey to fill a position currently held by Dennis Webster.
Allan McDougall has thrown his hat into the ring for North Whidbey Park and Recreation, seeking to take the seat currently filled by Fred Henninger, who opted not to run for reelection.
Sid Iverson has filed to keep his position with the Admirals Cove Water District.
Linda Perry Dwight and Maynard Hoing also filed to maintain their positions with the Penn Cove Park and Sewer District.
Filing week ends on Friday in the Island County Auditor’s Office. If more than two candidates file for any race, they will face off in the August primary.
