A new commissioner will be sworn in to the North Whidbey Park and Recreation Board next month.

Three of the current commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Kirk Huffer to the empty Position 2 seat.

Former Commissioner Dennis Jepsen resigned earlier this year.

Huffer was considered an obvious choice for the position since he’s the only one running for the seat in the November election.

Commissioner Steven Hoffmire questioned whether they should open up the position and ask people to apply, but the others said it didn’t make much sense since anyone besides Huffer would only serve until the election is certified.

Unless another candidate mounts a write-in campaign.

Huffer said he’s lived in Oak Harbor for 25 years and originally came with the Navy. He has two children on the swim team. He works as an accountant in the Island County Auditor’s Office.

Hoffmire said he was concerned that Huffer may have an agenda. He asked Huffer if he could remain open minded.

Huffer said will strive to remain neutral.

The district, which runs the swimming pool in Oak Harbor, was the source of a lot of controversy over the last year.

The new director, Bill Walker, fired the swim coach and an other employee last year after they refused to give him access to the Aquajets’  checking account.