If Editor Coppola had conducted a little more research he would have learned that the difficulty of recruiting candidates for public office is a phenomenon across the state of Washington, not just with the Kitsap County Republicans.

At the state level this year, 29 positions are unchallenged: 17 House of Representatives races with Republican only candidates and No Democrat challenger and 12 House of Representative races with Democrat only candidates and No Republican challenger. For the State Senate positions there are 6 races with Republican only candidates and 7 races with Democrat only candidates.

At the County level in Washington State, there are other counties that essentially have only one party represented in the county level offices such as Chelan and Lincoln who are predominantly Republican.

We need a balance of both major parties elected serving in our County and State offices. For a government to truly represent its citizens, its operations must be clear and transparent. This often is not the case if only one major party is in control. It is the duty and function of the multiple party system for opposing parties to maintain vigilance to achieve a checks and balance on the governments proposed policies.

As the elected Chair of the Kitsap Republican Party I worked diligently along with my appointed recruiting committee to recruit good, qualified candidates for all available offices. Candidates must be serious and ready to with stand the personal attack gauntlet of these campaigns.

Patty Lent is a highly qualified candidate for county commissioner. She has a proven track record in her business. She has worked for 30 years in the travel, international trade and tourism promotion industries. She was successful in bringing millions of dollars to Washington State in off-shore trade dollars. Patty knows what it takes to meet payroll. Her win in her central commissioner district reflects that the voters want a responsive commissioner who will fulfill the basic job of setting a balanced budget!

Not only Patty Lent, but all of the other Kitsap Republican candidates have not only my support as the Chair, they also have the support of the party Executive Board.

The Kitsap Republicans also have an incumbent or two who are up for reelection with out challengers at the county level. We were successful in finding highly qualified, well known candidates for the State positions in the 23rd and 26 legislative districts. The Kitsap Republicans continue in their recruiting efforts to encourage individuals to consider serving in public office. The Kitsap County Republicans are very concerned that the multiple party system continue to serve and preserve our representative government.

Shirley Brown, Chair
Kitsap County Republican Party.