By Corey Morris

Vidette Editor

The Grays Harbor County Democratic Party has selected three nominees for the vacant county treasurer position.

On Thursday, Nov. 3, the Democrats met and interviewed applicants. Three people applied for the appointment: Ken Albert of Montesano, Bob Weaver of Aberdeen and Steven Puvogel of Hoquiam.

Former treasurer Ron Strabbing retired on Nov. 1. His last day in office was Oct. 31. State statute dictates that an appointment to Strabbing’s position (a partisan position) must be from the same political party. The Grays Harbor County Democratic Party could not act on finding a replacement until after the position was vacated.

Strabbing most recently was re-elected to his position in 2014 (Strabbing had held the position for 35 years). The appointment will hold the position until the term expires in 2018.

“Each of (the applicants) said that if they won the appointment, they would run for election — it was something they would want to pursue long term,” Grays Harbor County Democratic Party chairwoman Robin Moore said on Nov. 4.

The Grays Harbor County commissioners will select from the three party nominees selected by the party.

On Monday, Nov. 7, the commissioners will interview the nominees during a special meeting at 2 p.m. The agenda for the commissioners’ evening meeting at 6 p.m. shows the commissioners plan to vote for an appointment.

According to a letter from the Grays Harbor Democratic Central Committee, the precinct committee officers are recommending the appointment of Albert who currently is the vice president bank manager of Umpqua Bank’s Montesano Branch.

Weaver has experience as a treasurer for various organizations, according to Moore, and Puvogel works for the State of Washington. Both were ranked as second and third preference, respectively, by the central committee.