WANTED: Candidates for new position of King County elections director; the position pays $146,000 per year for work that mostly will be done by underlings.
The successful candidate will be expected to fix problems that were fixed several years ago. He or she can take credit for advances made by others but will get blame for future errors. Candidates must not have worked for an election equipment company within a year. He or she must have political skills needed to win an election that is likely to draw few voters. Outrage over conduct of past elections expected. Experience supervising elections is helpful but not required, but the successful candidate will be required to become a state-certified elections administrator within 30 months. Candidates apply by filing a declaration of candidacy between Dec. 10 and Dec. 12 at the King County elections office and by paying a $1,460 filing fee.
Yes, today starts the three-day filing period for the Feb. 3 election for a King County elections director. Observers expect eight to 12 candidates to pay the fee and file declarations of candidacy.
The election is the result of a County Charter amendment that voters passed in November. The County Council used another newly passed amendment to pass the requirements that ruled out candidates who worked for an election-equipment manufacturer or vendor or held a substantial investment in such a company within a year of the filing period. The ordinance also requires that the new director earn state certification within 30 months of filing.
With no primary, a crowded field and an expected low turnout, some unknown is likely to win.
My fear is that a candidate with an ax to grind will become the head of group of more highly qualified employees.
The group that pushed the charter change has low standards. One if the people it endorsed was fired for lying about late mailing of ballots six years ago.
Voters’ pamphlets go out Jan. 12, and ballots go into the mail Jan. 14.
Ten drop boxes will open around the county, Friday, Jan. 16 and will close at 8 p.m. Feb. 3. The only one in this area will be at the Lake Forest Park Library. Adapted machines for the disabled are at regional voting centers in Seattle, Bellevue and Renton.
Otherwise, voters will have to mail their ballots by Feb. 3.
Election review: Changes in state offices
We had an unusual election for Washington state offices.
Three of the nine state executive offices changed hands, with two incumbents losing in November.
Republican state Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland and Assistant state Treasurer Allan Martin both were victims of a heavy Democratic turnout as they lost close elections.
The third office that changed hands was the non-partisan superintendent of public instruction. Incumbent Terry Bergeson lost to Randy Dorn, a change fueled by frustration over the Washington Assessment of Student Learning.
Evan Smith is the Enterprise Forum editor. Send comments to entopinion@heraldnet.com.
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