The problem was, there was also a contested Democratic primary race for Sheriff, and because of the new primary system, Democrats who would have normally taken Republican ballots to support Lent, were forced to choose between her and Sheriff Steve Boyer, whose election would be decided in the primary since there was no Republican opponent. Since Boyer is a Democrat, and Lent was thought to be “safe” anyway, they went with the sheriff. There was also a contested primary in the 35th District as staunch party Democrats tried to unseat Sen. Tim Sheldon. Meanwhile, the Republicans turned out just enough voters unhappy with Lent over her votes on Impact Fees and the Critical Areas Ordinance to elect Hamilton.

We sat down to discuss this — and other things — over lunch at Amy’s On The Bay, right after the first of the year. It was a bittersweet day for Patty, as right after our lunch, she was headed to the courthouse to turn in her county phone, parking pass and some other things. But overall, she had a positive attitude and was healing quickly from the hurt she felt about losing to Hamilton — especially in light of the fact an unknown, unqualified, unemployed 25-year old beat Hamilton like a drum. Before we got started, she made me aware of the Rotary auction to benefit the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center on Feb. 3, and made me promise to buy a ticket. We chatted about family, friends, and personal matters for about half an hour, and then got to the heart of it.

KPBJ: What have you been doing since the election?

Lent: I took some time off with my husband Doug, to collect my thoughts, get over the hurt I felt, and now I’m working out regularly, getting back into shape physically. Ever since Doug retired he works out every day from early morning until about noon. I’ve been spending time with him doing that, (laughs) just not to the extent he does.

KPBJ: Anything else?

Lent: Well I spent a lot of time organizing the office, and filing things that I never managed to get filed or put away when I was there (Laughs). I left the office much more organized for my successor than it had ever been before.

KPBJ: Okay, so what now?

Lent: Naturally, I’ve been polishing up my resume. But I’m looking at two possible positions — one with Secretary of State Sam Reed and another with Lt. Governor Brad Owen. That’s the one I really think I’d like. It’s a liaison position working with both government and the business community.

KPBJ: I’m sure by now you’re aware of the lawsuit that’s been filed against Josh Brown that could have him stepping down from office. The commissioners will have to appoint someone to fill the position until the next general election. It would seem that you would be an agreeable, logical choice. Would you do it?

Lent: As much as I’d like to think that would be an agreed upon thing, I don’t know that they would select me. I think it could create some problems for Jan (Angel) with the party, and considering how she felt I didn’t always support her, she may not be comfortable doing that. But I would welcome the opportunity to finish some things I started.

KPBJ: Such as?

Lent: I was working on the possibility of getting Toyota to locate two assembly plants here. We have that free trade zone at the Port and that would be a natural for them. They could ship parts and such in by rail from ships docking at Aberdeen. I’d been working with the Port and the KEDC on this.

KPBJ: Why don’t you think the Republican Party would support you being reappointed as commissioner? Even though they put up a primary opponent against you, who lost in the general election, have the bridges been burned?

Lent: Well, I didn’t help matters because I didn’t always side with Jan. There were times she needed an ally, but I always looked at our decisions in the light of what’s best for the county overall, not the party.

KPBJ: How much of the party’s issue with you do you believe is related to your vote on the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO)?

Lent: (Laughing) Just about all of it. I’m not sure what they would hope to gain by keeping me off there. The most damage I could ever do has already been done.

KPBJ: What is your view of the results of the ruling by the Growth Management Hearings Board on the appeal filed by the Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners (KAPO)?

Lent: I think if KAPO hadn’t appealed the CAO, the tribe and the Kitsap Citizens for Rural Protection (KCRP) wouldn’t have jumped on it and it would have stood as originally approved by the commissioners. When they did appeal, KCRP and the tribe saw an opportunity. In my view, KAPO made their own situation worse with the appeal because it resulted in the drastic increase in shoreline buffers mandated by the hearings board they didn’t have to begin with.

KPBJ: Knowing what you know now, what changes do you think are necessary to county government?

Lent: The commissioners have to be able to talk to each other. The way it is now, with just three commissioners, two constitute a majority, so you have the Public Meetings Act to contend with and it just makes things unnecessarily difficult.

KPBJ: Are more commissioners the answer?

Lent: I think increasing it to five commissioners would be much better. Right now the job pays each of the three commissioners about $100,000 a year. You could have five commissioners making $50,000 and actually save money. It also eases the burden of exchanging ideas and information. Like I said, they have to be able to talk.

KPBJ: Anything else?

Lent: All we need now is Gig Harbor. That’s a natural geographic fit for Kitsap a lot more so than it is for Pierce County — especially with the bridge and toll situation. I’m not sure how they feel about it though, but it seems to me to be a win-win. They get government that’s closer and more responsive to them, in exchange for increased property and sales tax revenues.

KPBJ: Any other changes?

Lent: I think we should consolidate some of the school districts. I don’t think we need five of them. Bainbridge Island would never consolidate with North Kitsap, even though it probably should, but I think Bremerton and CK could merge effectively.

KPBJ: Tell me about the “wink.”

Lent: (Laughing out loud) I guess I’ll always be famous for the “Patty Lent Wink.” It seems when I would speak in public and people would ask me questions from the audience, I’d sometimes answer and wink at the person. I wasn’t even aware I did that until someone asked me about it. I guess it became an unintentional trademark or something.

KPBJ: What are you going to miss the most?

Lent: The people. I really loved being the commissioner and getting to help people with small and sometimes large problems. I’m going to miss that most.