David Fox has thrown in his bid as a candidate for Clallam County commissioner for District 2, Port Angeles.
Fox is the first Democrat to challenge incumbent Commissioner Mike Chapman, R-Port Angeles. However another Republican, Terry Roth, has challenged Chapman for the county leadership position.
Clallam County is managed by a three-member board of commissioners, each seat going to a different region of the county, east, central and west. Each commissioner holds the position for a four-year term.
Fox said the county will face a number of issues going into the next decade.
"Criminal filings are up in both District Courts and in Superior Court," he said. "Although we have added a third Superior Court judge, the prosecutor’s office and the Clallam Public Defender’s Office have never been busier."
Fox stated that with his legal experience he will be the best candidate to take charge on straightening out funding for the criminal justice system.
"As a family law and criminal law attorney who has had a first degree murder case reach the United States Supreme Court, I am uniquely poised to consider how the money allocated to law and justice in this county might be spent more efficiently," he said.
Fox also contended the county will require budget cuts due to a looming economic downturn.
"Tax revenues may very well decrease, necessitating budget cuts ranging from mild to severe," Fox said. "While we have exciting new projects in our infrastructure, such as two major new bridges, a transportation center and downtown improvements, there is still much to be done."
Fox will have to file for candidacy during the first week of June, as will any other person planing to run in the 2008 fall election. The cutoff date for filing for office is June 6.
The primary election will be conducted in a top-two fashion, meaning the top two vote-getters will move to the general election regardless of party affiliation. So far three Port Angeles men have openly announced their candidacies for the District 2 seat.
For more information on Clallam County and its elections, visit www.clallam.com and click on "departments."
