Election 2024: Six candidates up to follow Garrido as Kitsap County Commissioner

Six candidates are on the primary ballot for the District 2 Kitsap County Commissioner seat after Commissioner Charlotte Garrido decided not to run for reelection this year, after serving four terms since her election to the seat in 2008.

Voters will narrow down the race to two top candidates this August, during the primary election, taking them one step closer to the three-member body that oversees county government. The District 2 position encompasses all of South Kitsap and part of Bremerton, including the city's downtown core and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

The candidates participated in a Q&A with the Kitsap Sun to discuss a few of the county’s top issues, touching on growth management, homelessness and their campaigns themselves. Answers were limited to 200 words.

VOTER GUIDE: Washington primary election August 2024

Jeff Coughlin

Professional experience: Director of NASA’s Kepler Mission Science Office and Scientist at the SETI Institute. Awarded NASA-wide Exceptional Engineering Achievement Medal.  Project Management Professional.

Elected experience: City Council President and Councilmember. Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council and Puget Sound Regional Council (Transportation Policy, Planning Policy, Economic Development, and Growth Management Boards). Kitsap 911 and Kitsap Economic Development Alliance Board of Directors.

Party: Democratic

Campaign contributions: $19,525.62

Why are you running for District 2 Kitsap County Commissioner? What in your experience makes you the best candidate?

I am running to be a strong voice for South Kitsap and to unite our cities, towns, tribes, nonprofits, public agencies, and private businesses to tackle our most pressing issues of attainable housing, sustainable growth, quality healthcare, connected transportation, economic vitality, small business assistance, public safety, and social services support. I'm the only candidate with elected experience — serving as a Planning Commissioner, City Councilmember, Council President, and on numerous regional boards — and the only candidate with a proven track record of delivering results on all these issues.

As volunteer Director of the nonprofit Kitsap History Museum, I've run a small business and know our county's past. As a PhD Scientist, former NASA Director, and certified Project Management Professional, I have a vision for our future and the skills to turn vision into action. I've proudly lived here for over a decade with my husband, a shipyard engineer, and we're raising our son here — I work every day to make our community better for him.

I have collaborated across Kitsap and the Puget Sound, uniting diverse communities toward common-sense, community-driven solutions. My extensive connections with elected officials and community leaders enable me to leverage resources and partnerships benefiting South Kitsap and our entire county. Endorsed by numerous state, city, and local leaders and driven by a passion for service, I am the experienced, dedicated, and visionary choice for County Commissioner. Please join me in Bridging Our Future!

Kitsap County’s population is growing and so is the demand for housing. The County is crafting its 2024 Comprehensive Plan update that will be finished by the time you would enter office, should you be elected, but what are additional policy and spending ideas that you could implement to help meet that demand?

Throughout my tenure on the Planning Commission and City Council, I’ve championed housing measures that address the crisis while protecting our environment. I've passed Missing Middle Housing measures that allow infill development like accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and cottage housing. I am currently collaborating as a Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council member to support ADU design and permit streamlining across all jurisdictions in the county. As Commissioner, I'd work with state legislators to establish financial incentives and support for homeowners and builders to get these built. I would also prioritize funding for repairing and renovating existing dilapidated housing and work with our cities to support building up over out.

I’ll address the current crisis in county permitting with support for staff, Lean techniques to simplify the process and improve efficiency, and promote a culture of customer service and support. Current permit delays and complexity are significantly increasing housing costs and bottlenecking our supply, and close communication with our building partners is key to identifying the biggest barriers. I'll also continue to collaborate with our Housing Authorities and other public agencies and nonprofits to bring in state and federal funding for desperately needed affordable housing units and rental relief.

The HEART team has been working to resolve homeless encampments in unincorporated Kitsap County and connect campers with resources, while the Pacific Building homeless is scheduled to come online in October. Do you believe the County’s current outreach and enforcement in the HEART team requires any modification, and do you believe the County’s investment in this new shelter is enough to address its homelessness crisis?

Homelessness is a regional issue that requires Kitsap County to lead in partnership with our cities, tribes, nonprofits, public agencies, and state and federal governments. The HEART team, formed just two years ago, has been an effective step forward. Increasing partnership and participation with all of our housing, healthcare, and public safety providers, collaborating more closely with our cities, and working with our representatives to ensure our state and federal governments provide the needed funding to continue success is the next step.

The Point-in-Time count data clearly shows we need more shelter. As an elected official, I have been proud to work closely with Bremerton Housing Authority, Kitsap Mental Health, Kitsap Community Resources, and St. Vincent de Paul on a hybrid shelter model that prioritizes a continuum of care and provides an effective and expedited pathway out of homelessness while also minimizing impacts on our community. As County Commissioner, I would continue this collaboration, listening to community experts, and leveraging their ability to get state and federal funding to provide critically needed shelter to ensure we do not have unregulated encampments that are so detrimental to those experiencing homelessness and nearby communities.

What is a pet project that you hope to work on, should you be elected in November, and how does this make you stand out as a candidate?

I have a passion for ensuring communities across Kitsap are safe places for hikers, bikers, rollers, and strollers, and as a parent of a young child, I am especially committed to ensuring children and parents have Safe Routes to Schools. I would prioritize building sidewalks and multimodal pathways to create safe, accessible routes for students and all residents. Just one example in current need is Manchester Elementary, where the only option is narrow shoulders that put our kids' lives at risk. The community has been asking for sidewalks around it and on Beach Drive for years.

I'm the only candidate with experience delivering on transportation projects for constituents, whether it be the $28 million Warren Bridge Multimodal project, bike improvements along 6th Street, or simply getting new sidewalks built one block at a time. I would collaborate with our community groups, school districts, and our transportation providers to develop infrastructure that connects neighborhoods to schools and transit centers, promoting safety, health, and connectivity in our community.

Matt Macklin

Professional experience: Business Attorney- business and corporate and civil litigation; Healthcare Executive with extensive experience in leading teams, managing regulatory compliance, healthcare operations, and administrative law

Elected experience: None

Party: Democratic

Campaign contributions: $28,484.02

Why are you running for District 2 Kitsap County Commissioner? What in your experience makes you the best candidate?

I am running for District 2 Kitsap County Commissioner because I believe in the potential of our community to thrive through equitable, sustainable, and inclusive policies. What sets me apart from the other candidates is my extensive experience as a healthcare executive, business attorney, and community advocate. I am the only candidate with experience as a chief leader/operator in an enterprise, having managed budgets of nearly $120 million and led over 1,000 employees. This high-capacity leadership has equipped me with the skills to handle complex issues effectively and efficiently. Additionally, I am the only candidate endorsed by workers and labor. My robust background and proven track record make me the strongest candidate to lead Kitsap County towards a brighter, healthier future.

Kitsap County’s population is growing and so is the demand for housing. The County is crafting its 2024 Comprehensive Plan update that will be finished by the time you would enter office, should you be elected, but what are additional policy and spending ideas that you could implement to help meet that demand?

To meet the growing demand for housing in Kitsap County, I propose a multi-faceted approach that includes both policy innovation and strategic spending. First, I will advocate for zoning reforms that encourage the development of mixed-income housing and the inclusion of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to diversify our housing options in areas that both make sense and can support it. It is critical that a long-term plan be established to protect open and green space throughout the county. Public-private partnerships will be key in incentivizing the construction of affordable housing units without compromising quality. Additionally, I will prioritize investments in infrastructure to support new developments, ensuring that our growth is sustainable and well-planned. By fostering collaboration between cities, developers, non-profits, and government agencies, we can create a balanced approach that meets the housing needs of all residents.

The HEART team has been working to resolve homeless encampments in unincorporated Kitsap County and connect campers with resources, while the Pacific Building homeless shelter is scheduled to come online in October. Do you believe the County’s current outreach and enforcement in the HEART team requires any modification, and do you believe the County’s investment in this new shelter is enough to address its homelessness crisis?

While the HEART team's efforts are commendable, I believe there is room for improvement in outreach and enforcement strategies. We need to enhance our collaboration with local non-profits and healthcare providers to offer comprehensive wraparound services that address the root causes of homelessness, such as mental health issues and substance abuse. The upcoming Pacific Building homeless shelter is a significant step forward, but it is not a complete solution. Continuous investment in affordable housing, job training programs, and supportive services is essential to creating long-term solutions to the homelessness crisis. By taking a holistic approach and getting “upstream” on the challenge, we can ensure that every individual has the opportunity to transition from homelessness to stability and self-sufficiency.

What is a pet project that you hope to work on, should you be elected in November, and how does this make you stand out as a candidate?

One of my key projects will be the establishment of a Public Hospital District in Kitsap County. This initiative will ensure that all residents have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. My background as a healthcare executive and attorney uniquely positions me to lead this effort, which will involve creating a network of community health centers and negotiating with healthcare providers to reduce costs. Having led budgets of nearly $120 million and over 1,000 employees, I am ready and proven to handle high-capacity leadership. This project reflects my commitment to addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity in healthcare access. By focusing on this critical issue, I stand out as a candidate who not only understands the complexities of the healthcare system but is also dedicated to implementing solutions that benefit the entire community.

Oran Root

Professional experience: USMC Retired (1994-2017), combat veteran, small business owner/leader, land use management, and a continued advocate of professional leadership development.

Elected experience: None

Party: Republican

Campaign contributions: $1,751.62

Why are you running for District 2 Kitsap County Commissioner? What in your experience makes you the best candidate? 

Service is embedded in my DNA, evidenced by my roles as a volunteer firefighter in Port Orchard, Rotarian, and a career Marine. I am committed to addressing the economic and housing disparities within South Kitsap, which have been neglected for the past decade while surrounding areas have flourished. As a South Kitsap native, combat veteran, dedicated SK community leader, and successful business owner I comprehend the challenges we face and I am dedicated to championing our community’s interests effectively.

As your next South Kitsap County Commissioner, my mission is to leverage over 30 years of strong leadership to serve our entire community. My distinguished 24-year military career as a U.S. Marine and combat veteran has equipped me with invaluable skills in leadership, fiscal responsibility, and strategic operations involving multi-million-dollar budgets and sensitive global initiatives. These experiences, with my Top Secret (SCI) clearance underscores my capability to manage our county's resources and advocate effectively for our community's needs. During, and beyond my military service, I have thrived as a community leader and business owner for 8 years and a successful business partner for 4 years. My career requires world and country-wide travel, giving me a broad perspective on various economies and governments. Having this range of experiences enhances my understanding of local enterprises and the importance of fostering a thriving economic environment here in South Kitsap County.

Kitsap County’s population is growing and so is the demand for housing. The County is crafting its 2024 Comprehensive Plan update that will be finished by the time you would enter office, should you be elected, but what are additional policy and spending ideas that you could implement to help meet that demand? 

At the macro level, as I stated in my 2020 race for commissioner, prudent leadership is required, or it will continue to decline. Now, in 2024, as predicted no measurable improvements have been implemented yet there has been a continuous and significant relocation effort of residents from Seattle to Kitsap County, accompanied by the Department of Defense's initiative to transfer over 3,000 sailors and their families to our local City’s and County, along with an increase in civil service employees required to support our national defense requirements. With that, this surge in population has significantly driven up the demand for single-family housing specifically and all related services. The current multi-family structures we see is a band-aid on a larger housing crisis. In addition to the national inflationary trend, this is creating additional financial challenges for our existing residents, whom I might add, are not seeing any increase in wages, and notably, those with fixed and limited incomes suffer even more.

Drilling down into the micro level, the principal aim is to maintain affordability in housing. However, an excess of regulations and elevated costs can counterintuitively reduce affordability, thereby affecting the very individuals we are honored with representing. To address this population influx effectively, we require a smart, balanced, and customized strategy as generically outlined in our comprehensive plan.

The HEART team has been working to resolve homeless encampments in unincorporated Kitsap County and connect campers with resources, while the Pacific Building homeless is scheduled to come online in October. Do you believe the County’s current outreach and enforcement in the HEART team requires any modification, and do you believe the County’s investment in this new shelter is enough to address its homelessness crisis? 

Homelessness is a critical and pressing issue that I am determined to tackle once more in my 2024 Commissioner campaign, as I did in 2020. In the United States of America, no one should be without a home. That said, if a citizen chooses a different lifestyle, that is their liberty. I believe that the primary cause of homelessness is largely due to irresponsible economic governmental policies or a lack thereof.

During my previous campaign, I proposed solutions aimed at helping those who are homeless while also addressing the concerns of those whose private and public properties are affected.

In 2019, I visited multiple homeless camps around Kitsap County, particularly in South Kitsap. I engaged weekly and empathetically with our homeless neighbors to understand their challenges and the root causes of their situations. In 2019 and 2020, many lost their homes due to the economic impact of the pandemic, while others continued to battle substance abuse and mental health issues. Additionally, I spoke with property owners frustrated by the trash, drug paraphernalia, human waste, crime, and destruction left in the wake of these camps. Adding insult to injury, these property owners often receive city fines and HOA demands and are forced to clean up the mess at their own expense. It's a lose-lose situation.

Stacey Smith

Professional Experience: Director of Kitsap County Division of Aging and Long-Term Care and Department of Community Development Planning Commissioner representing South Kitsap. Previous Kitsap County Mental Health Program Resource Manager, Children’s Mental Health Services Coordinator, and Youth & Family Mental Health Therapist. Private practice family behavioral therapist.

Elected experience: None

Party: Democratic

Campaign contributions: $28,723.24

Why are you running for District 2 Kitsap County Commissioner? What in your experience makes you the best candidate?

With over 30 years experience developing social programs and mental health services, conducting community needs assessments, managing projects, and ensuring fiscal responsibility, I have the most experience to effectively lead our county government. I have a record of solving local issues, understanding community needs, and demonstrating leadership. I am running to ensure everyone in Kitsap has the opportunity to thrive.

As a 25 year County employee, I know there are opportunities to leverage expertise and resources within departments, improve services, and partner with Tribal and city governments. I represent South Kitsap on the Department of Community Development Planning Commission, and am the candidate most familiar with our plan for the future. I also understand the importance of engaging community members in solving local issues.

I am solely endorsed by four-term retiring Commissioner Charlotte Garrido and the Suquamish Tribe, along with the most elected officials and community leaders throughout Kitsap.

Kitsap is my home. I have lived here over 50 years and in South Kitsap for 30. I have raised my family here and want Kitsap to be the best place for everyone to live and thrive. I will advocate for all and am prepared to lead on day one.

Kitsap County’s population is growing and so is the demand for housing. The County is crafting its 2024 Comprehensive Plan update that will be finished by the time you would enter office, should you be elected, but what are additional policy and spending ideas that you could implement to help meet that demand?

I’ve served on the Planning Commission since 2021 and have been involved in the development of the 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan. I made recommendations to the Commissioners and advocated for expanding innovative housing capacity, including increasing inventory for all income bands, maintaining or reducing market competition by increasing inventory, supporting innovative land use policies, and supporting intentional growth that honors wetlands, water quality, air, and animal habitats.

As Commissioner, I would ensure the community is engaged through Planning Commission work studies, local workgroup forums, and posted documents for review and feedback. Community members need to know their comments are welcomed and can participate in the development process.

As cities and unincorporated areas grow, Kitsap needs to focus on collaborating closely with local jurisdictions to ensure we are reducing impacts to residents and businesses, sharing messages, and coordinating projects. Growth can result in growing pains and local governments need to be sensitive to how local projects impact us all.

In my current role as the Director of Aging and Long-Term Care, I’m familiar with working within the county’s budget and staying on track for project completion. As Commissioner, I will ensure projects do not exceed their budgets and we remain fiscally responsible.

The HEART team has been working to resolve homeless encampments in unincorporated Kitsap County and connect campers with resources, while the Pacific Building homeless is scheduled to come online in October. Do you believe the County’s current outreach and enforcement in the HEART team requires any modification, and do you believe the County’s investment in this new shelter is enough to address its homelessness crisis? 

As a 25-year county employee of Human Services, I understand the implementation of the HEART team and the significant efforts it has made to identify local homeless encampments and connect individuals experiencing homelessness to resources. I also support the local Pacific Building transitional housing project.

I would suggest modifications to expand the HEART team due to demands to outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, open the Pacific Building on time, and intentionally highlight the successes and personal stories of the individuals and systems coordination in meeting our local homelessness needs. Connecting people and families to pathways of employment, permanent housing and behavioral health services, and other community support are the most important.

There needs to be another similar model developed throughout Kitsap County, for example in North Kitsap and Bainbridge Island. I'm excited to support the innovative models that Bremerton and Poulsbo are planning. Together we can develop the kinds of resources we need to bring successful housing methods to scale and meet Kitsap's local homelessness needs.

What is a pet project that you hope to work on, should you be elected in November, and how does this make you stand out as a candidate?

I would have several priorities, including:

1.  Opening the Pacific Building: I would focus on completing projects that have been in planning for 4 years to meet the demands of the homeless populations and bring community services to successfully support transitions to permanent housing.

2. Opening all the County buildings and services to pre-pandemic, normal business hours: I would make services more available to community members. Limiting business hours has had negative impacts to getting services to community members. I will support the County’s mission to make services accessible and efficient.

3. Addressing County employee workforce shortages, morale, and adequate pay: County employees are the number one asset of County government. Services are only as good as the people providing them. If we don't have positions filled or we are losing quality employees, the County government can't meet its mission of accessibility and efficiency. Some Departments are struggling with new leadership, poor staff recruitment, and retention as a result of inadequate pay disparities to local industry standards. With 25 years as a County employee, I understand the importance of balancing budget, prioritizing employee compensation, and fiscal responsibility.

Sean Murphy

Professional experience: Navy veteran, insurance broker, grocery industry management.

Elected experience: Vice chair of Kitsap County Republican Party, Precinct committee officer 270, delegate to the 2024 Republican County and State Conventions

Party: Republican

Campaign contributions: $5,269.08

Murphy did not respond to the Kitsap Sun’s questions.

Paul Nuchims

Party: “Abe Lincoln Democrat”

Campaign Contributions: $0

Nuchims did not respond to the Kitsap Sun’s questions.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Voter Guide: Kitsap County District 2 County Commissioner