4 Index council seats contested, 1 unopposed

INDEX — Four of the town’s five council seats are being contested this election.

And the fifth seat is on the ballot, too, but candidate Chuck Davis is running unopposed to serve the next two years in Position 1.

Position 2

Councilman Bob Hubbard, who ran unopposed in 2011, is vying for another four-year term against challenger Rick Bott.

Neither candidate responded to emails or phone calls for comment. Hubbard provided no statement for the voter’s pamphlet but Bott did.

In it he states he’s a 30-year resident of Index, a former volunteer firefighter and is “aspiring” to earn a degree in civil engineering.

Position 3

Councilman Blair Corson, who was appointed to the post in October 2014, is opposed by Peter Gott, a former member of the Town of Index Council. Corson did not respond to phone calls or emails. He owns the Bush House Inn and his family owns the Outdoor Adventure Center, both located in Index.

In an email, Gott said he did not wish to discuss his candidacy with The Herald.

Position 4

Councilman Alexander Gibb is up against first-time candidate Travis Freeman for a full four-year term.

Gibb was appointed in 2012 after Sean ‘Spare Rib’ Horst left office. He did not respond to phone calls or emails for comment on his candidacy.

Freeman, 31, is a facility manager for the Outdoor Adventure center in Index.

In an interview, Freeman said he would like to see Index evolve into a community that can attract tourists without losing its small-town soul.

“I am running because I feel someone like myself can assist in maintaining a classic and historical presence in our quaint little town,” he said. “I want to preserve what we have here while still considering ecologically friendly improvements to all of our lives.”

Position 5

Kem Hunter and Bert Shepardson are competing for the seat that became when Ed Boress decided to not seek re-election.

Shepardson, in a brief interview, said he is 32 and works as a professional plumber. He said is a native of Washington.

Hunter, who did not respond to calls or emails, is a former mayor of Index. It was during his tenure that Congress established the Wild Sky Wilderness Area.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

Index City Council

Rick Bott

Age: 30

Experience: Former volunteer firefighter, heavy equipment operator and mechanic. Trained in water management.

Bob Hubbard

Age: 64

Experience: Two terms on Town Council.

Blair Corson

Age: 35

Experience: Appointed to Town Council in 2014. Owner Bush House Inn in Index. Instructor and trainer in sea kayak, whitewater kayak, raft, canoe.

Peter R. Gott