SK has packed ballot for primary election

Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 13, 2023

Primary election ballots are expected to be mailed out July 14 in Kitsap County.

You should already have received your voters’ guide in the mail.

On the ballot are candidate races where each one will be whittled down to the top two for the general election in November. There are also ballot measures for the city of Bremerton and South Kitsap Fire and Rescue.

You can register to vote or update your information online at www.VoteWA.gov

PORT ORCHARD

There are three candidates for a four-year City Council position: Heidi Fenton, Cindy Lucarelli and Jessica Hallman, who did not submit any information for the voters’ guide.

Fenton owned Heidi’s Haven Daycare from 1989 to 2020. A 1988 graduate of Washington State University, she is involved in the Rotary, chamber, Bay Street Association and Sidney Art Museum. In her statement, she says she will work for you and listen to you. Fenton says she is fiscally responsible and respects the rights of citizens. She supports business, law enforcement, youth, responsible growth and schools. She sees infrastructure, mental health and homelessness as the major issues of the city. She has lived locally for 25 years.

Lucarelli has been on the council since 2011. She attended the University of Wisconsin and has 29 years experience as an independent business owner. She’s also involved in the Rotary, Cedar Cove Association, school mentor, Olympic College Foundation and Kitsap Economic Development Association. She said the city has worked on infrastructure and is doing more. Water rights, rising sea levels, increased wastewater regulations and mandated housing densities are the major issues facing the city.

School district

For the South Kitsap School District, there are three races. In District 2, Glenn Goddard, John R. Berg, Jaime Cross, Megan Higgins and Paul L. Nuchims are in the running. In District 5, Jay Villars, Rhonda Edwards and Larry Mann are running.

Goddard is retired Navy who has fought for educational rights in the SKSD, working with teachers, paraeducators, therapists and nurses. He supports parental rights in education and meeting specific needs of students. Berg has been on the board since 2019. He said he represents the entire community, not a special interest. Parents and schools need to work together, not against each other. Cross is a local business owner and has attended SKSD meetings for three years, so he knows what the issues are: budget, curriculum, government overreach, conflicting ideals, lack of transparency, staff shortages, etc. He said he’s lost faith in the system as teachers are being asked to do too much. Higgins’ work experience includes Seattle Children’s Research Department and tutoring math. She said the school board needs reasonable discussion and creative thinking to accomplish goals, such as passing a bond. “I will bring a perspective that is not currently on the school board — that of a parent of young children,” she said. Nuchims has spent much of his life in higher education as a college professor. He would like to see adjunct courses from major universities available locally. He also favors field trips as students learn outside the classroom. He supports teachers and safe schools.

Villars has 38 years of experience in public education, 20 in SKSD. He’s only been a member of the Rotary, Kiwanis and Scouts. “I am a collaborative leader who problem solves with common sense and good judgment,” he said. Edwards has served the public in real estate by developing businesses for 33 years. The budget is an issue and she vows fiscal responsibility. She wants better academic success, parent involvement and an open-door policy. Mann has 20 years of experience with a 20,000-member union in Kitsap County and knows how to fight for rights. He said education is on the wrong path, and he will not stand for incompetent leadership. He vows to bring the district’s out-of-control spending under control.

Fire commissioner

For South Kitsap Fire and Rescue commissioner, Brent R. Rotter is going up against Mike Eslava and Robert P. McGee for a six-year term.

Rotter said, “If you elect me, I’ll use my background in economics and understanding of fiscal policy to bring fresh perspective, ensuring that our first responders have the support they need to keep our community safe and healthy long into the future.” Eslava has been the commissioner since 2013 and has been with SKFR for over 50 years. “I plan to continue to drive forward our goals to help save lives and protect property,” he said. McGee said, “As a South Kitsap business owner, current union member, and local taxpayer, I’ll provide a fresh and unique perspective to the commission.”

Fire levy

The proposition for SKFR would increase property taxes to the previously passed rate of $1.50 per $1,000 valuation.

Those in favor say calls have increased 55% in the past 10 years. Low staffing means average response times have increased over 1 minute. The measure would improve that by adding 21 firefighters, return staffing to the Banner fire station with 24-hour personnel and improve safety.

The levy is now at $1.09 per $1,000 valuation. So this would add $13.67 per month to the owner of a $400,000 home.

Opponents say SKFD has agreements with nearby fire departments so there will be no reduction in service if this doesn’t pass. They also say administrators received some hefty raises, and the district has purchased six vacant properties. Foes warn of more funds needed to develop those. They say consolidating the three fire districts is the answer.

BREMERTON

The City Council wants to increase property taxes by 40 cents per $1,000 valuation to increase public safety. Those in favor say calls for police and fire services have increased tremendously, while response and out-of-service times also have increased.

Factors include moving the hospital to Silverdale, longer patient turnover time at hospitals, the mental health crisis and drug use.

If the measure passes, nine employees would be added in fire and eight in police.

Those against say the measure has no specifics, standards or goals to show that public safety will increase. It is not fair as the 27.2% increase is only being paid by property owners.

The proposition does not commit any money to mental health, de-escalation training for police, fire prevention or education. There is nothing about new technology. And it does not eliminate the cost of ambulance transport; residents will still receive a bill from BFD.

CENTRAL KITSAP

For the Central Kitsap School District, Jim Grose, Rob Sanders, Drayton Jackson and George Campbell are running for the four-year term in District 3, while in District 4 Jason Gilham, Josh Wexler, Eric J. Rolenaitis and Meghan Hein are running.

Grose has been involved in Scouts and is an elementary school volunteer. His goal is to keep political and social pressures out of the classroom and support teachers who show students how to think, not what to think. Sanders has a varied background that includes Marines, security, data systems, analyst and more. He believes in working together, innovation, critical thinking and more are needed to improve the district. Jackson is the incumbent who is involved in numerous government and community organizations. In 2022 as board president, he was tasked with improving unity and trust with the community. Goals include fully funding special education, more people of color working in the district and finishing out the goals in the strategic plan. Campbell is a Navy veteran and journeyman electrician who has been a dedicated participant in the soccer community for 30 years. He wants to improve transparency, the graduation rate and listen to the public on how it wants funds allocated.

Gilham has had a Navy career and has been involved in Scouts. He calls himself a level-headed moderate who puts the needs of students first. Compromise is key to meeting common goals, he said. Wexler did not provide any information to the voters’ guide. Rolenaitis has 20 years of experience teaching in the Navy. He questions administration, policies, passing levies with tax increases without improved results, instructional materials and more. Hein currently holds the position. She volunteers in schools every week and goes to as many events as possible to support students. The community deserves well-managed, fiscally responsible schools and improving academic results is her focus. Students suffered learning loss during COVID, and she’s dedicated to helping them recover.