Island County Commissioner Janet St. Clair has no plans for stepping down before the end of her term.

St. Clair said she recently became aware of rumors swirling around the community about her alleged plans for leaving her elected position before the term runs out. St. Clair, a Democrat, lives on Camano Island.

The District 3 commissioner said she had long talks with Commissioner Jill Johnson and Sheriff Rick Felici after they asked her about the rumors, and she reassured them that she’ll remain on the board for the long haul.

“We had a laugh about that,” she said.

St. Clair said her best guess is that the story grew out of a misunderstanding about succession planning that took place last year while she was running for state senate. St. Clair challenged Sen. Ron Muzzall but lost in a tight race.

St. Clair’s term runs through 2026.

The commissioners have a busy couple of years ahead. The giant Comprehensive Plan Amendment process is supposed to be completed by the end of the year.

In addition, the commissioners and sheriff started the process of replacing the aging Island County Jail, which will be a complex and expansive undertaking that will likely need voter approval.