It's official: Botkin to seek second term

County Commissioner Tim Botkin announced Thursday, March 28, that he will run for a second term this fall.

“My work is not done,” the Chico Democrat said. “That’s the biggest reason” for seeking another four-year term.

The primary election is scheduled for Sept. 17 and the general election is scheduled for Nov. 5.

“I feel pretty good about the things that we’ve been able to accomplish during the last three years, most notably a sense that more of us are working together for the benefit of our community,” Botkin said in a written announcement. “Without a doubt, there is much work to be done and I feel a strong responsibility to remain a part of the effort.”

He touted the Smart Growth Coalition, an incentive-based effort to encourage multi-use development and limit sprawl, as the epitome of his approach to improving communication among diverse groups.

“It’s important to get people to sit down and talk about the issues,” he said.

He cited securing funding for the Clear Creek Trail, working with the Central Kitsap Community Council on the Vision 2022 community planning effort, working toward downtown Bremerton revitalization, and reorganizing the building permit office among his accomplishments.

“We have a unique opportunity to ensure that Kitsap County stands out as a high-quality place to live and work now and for our children and grandchildren,” Botkin said. “The tools for this work are becoming available, and with thoughtful and experienced leadership, we will get there.”

Unlike 1998, Botkin said he’s looking forward to hitting the campaign trail and meeting with different community organizations.

“It’s amazingly frustrating when you’re a commissioner, how limiting it is to meet with groups and tell them what’s going on in the county,” he said.

Boyle bows out

Silverdale real estate agent Patrick Boyle recently announced that he won’t run for the county commissioner position currently occupied by Tim Botkin after all.

Boyle, who previously had declared his candidacy to seek the Republican nomination for the Central Kitsap post, reversed himself on Friday, March 22. He reportedly cited personal reasons.

Boyle did not return telephone calls last week. His exit leaves just one Republican candidate for the job, travel agent Patty Lent.

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