At its reorganization meeting in December, the Kitsap County Republican Party elected a new Executive Board. Suquamish resident Matt Cleverley, an attorney who ran for the Kitsap County Commission in the 2004 Republican primary, was elected the chairman for the next two years.

Washington law requires political parties to meet every two years to organize and elect their Executive Board. Only elected Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) are allowed to vote. The newly elected Republican PCOs attended the reorganization meeting to cast their ballots for the party’s new leadership.

Shirley Brown, who has served as Chair for the last four years, did not run for the position this year, instead focusing her efforts on election as the party’s State Committeewoman. In that position, she intends to focus attention on Kitsap County’s congressional races.

In addition to Cleverley, the following were elected as officers: Brenda Petrick, vice-chair; Duane Wadlow, state committeeman; Shirley Brown, state committeewoman; James Carander, treasurer; and Juliana McMahan as secretary.

The following were also elected to serve on the Board:

Willis Papilion; Robert Thompson; Chuck Ricci; Robert Knight; Frank Mahaffay; Barbara Kitchens; Larry Little; Roberta Messinger; Allen Meng; Heather George; Patrick Griffin-Hall; and Stephen Bublat.

In addition to electing the new Executive Board, the Kitsap County Republicans elected new leaders for the Legislative District leadership positions. Legislative Districts generally focus on key issues in smaller areas. The 23rd Legislative District includes all of North Kitsap and parts of Central Kitsap.

The new officers for the 23rd Legislative District are:

Shirley Brown, chair; Robert Knight, vice-chair; Faye Henden, secretary; Barbara Ann Stier, treasurer; and Bernie Scheffler, membership.

The new members of the 35th Legislative District are: Don Martin; Lisa Holt; and Ruth Hoch.

The new members of the 26th Legislative District are: Bob Benze and Ken Houghton.