Kitsap County treasurer candidate drops out of race

One of the five candidates for Kitsap County Treasurer has indicated that he is no longer interested in the job.

Democratic Party Chairman Carl Olson said Saturday that Rob Gelder has withdrawn his name from consideration, and will formally announce that intention at a Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) meeting on Monday night.

Olson said that Gelder’s other responsibilities had prompted the action. Gelder serves as Democratic party chairman for the 23rd Legislative District and is the director of fund development for Martha and Mary in Poulsbo.

The treasurer vacancy occurred when incumbent Barbara Stephenson resigned to take job with the city of Bremerton. Since she was elected as a Democrat the party is responsible for recommending candidates to fill the unexpired term.

Two of those under consideration for the job have political experience, former Poulsbo Mayor Kathryn Quade and former Bremerton mayoral and legislative candidate Daryl Daugs. The others are political novices, Isaac Delgado of Bremerton and Meredith Green of Poulsbo.

Stephenson said her job is not a political one and depends on administrative and financial abilities.

On Monday night the PCOs will select three of these candidates in order of preference, and present that list to the county commissioners for final decision. The person selected will serve out Stephenson's current term which ends this year, and will presumably run for a term in their own right in November.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. March 1 at the Eagles Nest adjacent to the Fairgrounds. It is open to the public, although only PCOs, candidates and others recognized by the will be allowed to speak.

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