Candidate Filing is Next Week

DAYTON - Candidates around Washington State will file for elective office next week. The state's official filing period runs from May 12 through 16.

Walla Walla and Columbia Counties both have a large number of offices open this year. In both counties, the auditor, assessor, clerk, treasurer, sheriff and prosecutor positions are open this year. Walla Walla County also has a separate elected coroner position open. All are for four-year terms.

In Walla Walla County, Sheriff John Turner has officially begun his campaign for re-election. Two Sheriff's Department employees - Barry Blackman and Tom Cooper - have announced plans to run against Turner.

In both counties, the District 3 County Commissioner position is also open. Walla Walla County Commissioner Greg Thompkins and Columbia County Commissioner Chuck Reeves have both announced they will not seek re-election.

In the 16th legislative district, both positions for state representative are open this year. Representatives Maureen Walsh and Terry Nealey have both announced their intention to run for re-election.

Two District Court Judge positions in Walla Walla County - one full-time and one part-time - are open this year, along with one District Court Judge position in Columbia County.

Also open is the two-year unexpired term for Superior Court Judge for the Hells Canyon Circuit. Judge Willam Acey resigned, effective April 30. The person elected to that position will serve out the remainder of Judge Acey's term.

Candidates may file in person, online or by mail. Filing ends at 4 p.m., Friday, May 16. More information about filing for office can be found on each of the counties' websites.

This year's primary election will be August 5. The general election is November 4.

A complete list of open positions, along with the name of the incumbent, is shown on Page 2.