Primary ballots must be in mail Tuesday

Published 8:00 am Saturday, September 17, 2005

For those short a stamp, a drop box will be at

the Playhouse.

The Kitsap County Auditor hopes lower-profile races and a new balloting system won’t dissuade voters from participating in Tuesday’s primary elections.

“Positions in local government often lack the visibility in state and federal government,” Auditor Karen Flynn said. “But the decisions made by the local leaders who are chosen to represent us have an enormous impact on the quality of day-to-day life in our communities.”

Odd number years bring with them the opportunity to elect nonpartisan officials who serve on city councils, school boards and the park district – all of which make important decisions on voters’ tax rates, their children’s education and local recreational opportunities, Flynn said.

Only those positions for which three or more candidates have filed appear on the primary ballot. Tuesday’s primary is the nominating process to narrow the field that will appear on November’s general election ballot.

The race for Bainbridge mayor is the only contest on the island that garnered more than two candidates.

Four contenders, including accountant Michael Berry, city code enforcement officer Will Peddy and Councilman Nezam Tooloee, hope to unseat incumbent Darlene Kordonowy.

A ballot listing for a North Ward’s City Council race between incumbent Debbie Vancil and marketing consultant Jeannie McMacken will also include Frank Renna’s name despite the fact that he has withdrawn from the race.

Islanders will also see a temporary property tax limit increase proposition proposed by the Bainbridge Island Fire Department. The department hopes to boost funds for the replacement of aging vehicles and equipment. The proposition would raise $2.27 million over six years, at which time the levy would revert to its previous level.

A county-wide law and justice sales tax increase will also appear on Bainbridge ballots. The measure would authorize a 0.15 percent sales and use tax for a five-year period to bolster law enforcement agencies throughout the county.

Flynn also hopes to bring voters’ attention to a Superior Court judge race. “Unlike most elected positions, the outcome of this race will likely be decided in the primary in favor of the candidate receiving more than 50 percent of the votes cast,” she said.

Polls will be closed this year. Voters must either mail-in ballots or drop them off at designated boxes. On Tuesday, island voters can drop off ballots from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center, 200 Madison Avenue North.

Election results will be available at www.kitsapgov.com and at cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/bainbridgereview.