Town Council will appoint new member
The Friday Harbor Town Council will appoint someone to complete Kelley Balcomb-Bartok’s term.
The term ends Dec. 31, 2011. Council members are paid $85 per meeting, with a maximum of four meetings per month.
Balcomb-Bartok resigned effective Friday. He is moving to Renton, where he will work as communication specialist in the Renton mayor’s office. He begins his new job June 16.
Letters of interest will be accepted by Town Clerk Amy Taylor at Town Hall until June 27. The council will interview applicants by July 17. The council is expected to appoint someone to the vacancy Aug. 7.
Linde seeks election to full term as judge
John Linde, appointed San Juan County Superior Court judge last year when the position was created, is seeking a full term in the Aug. 19 election.
He filed his candidacy June 2 — too late to get into the June 4 Journal.
Also running is Randy Gaylord, San Juan County prosecuting attorney.
Linde was a longtime attorney and former District Court judge who was appointed to the Superior Court position by Gov. Christine Gregoire when it was created last year. San Juan County formerly shared judges with Island County.
“I can think of no greater privilege than to continue to serve the community I love as its Superior Court judge,” Linde said in a campaign announcement.
“As I promised Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander when I took the oath of office, I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office. I will strive to always listen courteously, answer wisely, consider soberly and decide impartially. All matters that come before me will be decided on the law and the facts and I will not be influenced by emotion or prejudice.
Linde was a private-practice attorney in Friday Harbor for 35 years and an elected District Court judge for 21 years.
“My five months as the county’s first Superior Court judge, coupled with extensive trial experience, give me unique and unparalleled qualifications to continue to serve as the county’s Superior Court judge,” he said.
Linde counts as his supporters Island County Superior Court judges Alan Hancock and Vickie Churchill; judges on the Skagit County Superior Court; and members of the state Supreme Court.
Henderson picks up support from Linville, unions
Ken Henderson, candidate for 40th District state Senate, received endorsements last week from state Rep. Kelli Linville, 42nd District; Bellingham Firefighters IAFF Local 106; and Northwest Washington Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
“Ken Henderson knows our issues. We believe Ken will represent the interests of working families in our towns and communities,” Labor Council President Dave Warren said.
“We know the commitment and intellect that Ken will bring to the job will be very similar to what we all enjoyed (during) Senator Harriett Spanel’s tenure.”
Henderson, 59, is a retired optometrist who managed offices in Bellingham, Eastsound and Lynden. He has lived in the region for more than 30 years, and attended Skagit Valley College and Western Washington University.
He served on the Whatcom County Council from 1990 to 1994 and served as president of the Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation Board.
Henderson leads fund-raising in Senate race
Ken Henderson, candidate for 40th District state Senate, has raised $41,451 for his campaign, his campaign announced Monday.
Henderson, a Democrat and former Whatcom County Council member, is one of seven candidates for the Senate seat. The others include San Juan County Councilman Kevin Ranker, Democrat; and Steve Van Luven of Samish Island, a Republican who formerly represented Bellevue in the state House of Representatives.
Rollins drops council bid, backs Guard
Gayle Rollins, a former San Juan County Parks Board member and former freeholder, dropped his candidacy Monday for San Juan County Council, San Juan South.
“I was delighted to learn that Lisa Guard had thrown her hat into the ring and filed for the District 1 council position,” he said in a press release.
“After a meeting with Lisa, I now feel very comfortable that there is someone on the ballot who can deal with the formidable issues the next council will face, using the same unbiased and common sense approach I would have.”
The candidate filing period ended Friday. Elections Supervisor Doris Schaller said candidates have until Thursday to withdraw their candidacies. Filing fees are not returned.
