Jefferson County Commissioner David Sullivan announced he will seek a fourth term representing District 2.

Sullivan is the first candidate facing re-election in 2016 to announce; candidate filing week is May 16-20. He recently moved from Cape George to Kala Point, still within District 2 that includes the Tri-Area.

During the last 12 years Sullivan said he has earned a reputation for delving deeply into the details of local and regional government services.

“We are about to embark on a major transformation in the delivery of behavioral health care and chemical dependency services," Sullivan said in a press release. "We can also anticipate expansion of housing and transit options during the next four years. I understand the tools of government that will shape these and other needed changes. I have the skills and experience to facilitate these transitions, and I am committed to working for the best environmental, social and economic future for all the citizens of Jefferson County.”

Sullivan points to a record of shared accomplishments. The county survived the Great Recession, he noted, by balancing service delivery while shrinking the size of county government by 10 percent, cutting the budget by $2.3 million, earning an A+ credit rating, and establishing a Revenue Stabilization Reserve to protect public services.

"Jefferson Transit avoided drastic service cuts," he said. "Instead of having to pay back federal funds previously spent with nothing to show for it, we constructed a new facility under budget, are replenishing reserves, and can look to expand service in 2017."

Sullivan stepped forward to serve as interim board chair of Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP) in a time of precipitous change. New leadership at OlyCAP with experience developing housing is in place and partnering with the Peninsula Housing Authority for long-term solutions, he noted.

The Port Hadlock sewer is “shovel ready,” Sullivan said. "With land purchased, mitigation provided, plans approved by state Health and Ecology, and final design mostly done, this project is only awaiting federal or state funds to make it affordable. It is key to the long-term strategy to expand the base of affordable housing in Jefferson County."

He noted a strong partnership with Washington State University Extension, the conservation district, and the North Olympic Resource Conservation and Development Council in support of local agriculture.

County conservation future funds have helped purchase easements to help maintain the Boulton, Sunfield, Glendale and Finnriver farms, and the Chimacum Dairy property as working farms.

Commissioners continue to fund EDC Team Jefferson to provide education and support for new and growing small businesses.

Sullivan credits citizen involvement in the community for his enthusiasm for another term.

“I know hundreds of people who are rolling up their sleeves to address challenges in the community,” he said. “I’m always reminded that nothing gets done through the efforts of one person alone. County government has done a good job saving and improving what we have, and I look forward to being accountable in this election.”