The chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party has officially joined the two Democrats, Greg Brotherton and Ryan Mc Allister, who are already running for the Jefferson County Commission District 3 seat.

Jon Cooke, who moved here from Silverdale a little more than 10 years ago, will celebrate his 60th birthday in August by running for office and answering what he sees as a calling.

Cooke interviewed several fellow Republicans about running for the open commission seat, and they all told him the same thing.

"If a second conservative is not elected commissioner in the 2020 election for the District 2 commissioner, I'll be wasting my time, because I'll get voted down two to one every time," Cooke said, repeating their refrain, before refuting it. "I disagree with that. I want that other voice to be out there. The current Board of Commissioners has voted in unison every time I've seen. If I can have that other voice, it will broaden the ideas considered."

District 3 includes Quilcene, Port Ludlow, Brinnon, Discovery Bay, Coyle and Queets/Clearwater. Its outgoing incumbent is Kathleen Kler, who has declined to run for a second term. The other two commissioners are Kate Dean and David Sullivan. All three are Democrats.

Cooke sees one of the county's most pressing concerns as the need, in his eyes, to boost the economy by becoming more business-friendly.

"Bringing in a diversity of to Jefferson County, broaden businesses would bring jobs the tax base to relieve the taxpayers and encourage people to spend their money in Jefferson County, not Clallam and Kitsap counties," Cooke said, adding public/private partnerships could address stalled infrastructure projects such as the still-unfinished Port Hadlock septic system.

Another unmet need Cooke perceives is to give rural Jefferson County more of a voice.

"You cannot represent the people of District 3 and vote with the other two commissioners every time," Cooke said. "Board unity has become more important than representing the people of south Jefferson County."

As an example, Cooke criticized the commissioners for conducting the public hearing for the Brinnon Master Planned Resort in Port Townsend, forcing many residents of South County who attended and offered testimony to drive as long as an hour to get to the hearing.

"Port Townsend can remain one of the most beautiful coastal towns on the West Coast, but the rest of the county needs a growing economy," Cooke said.

Cooke has attended a number of Board of County County Planning Commission Commissioners and Jefferson meetings during the past few months, but he said he willing curve. still likely face a steep learn

"I know the people to talk to for help, and I will seek out wisdom from business owners, farmers and the people of District 3," Cooke said. "Learning is a lifelong thing in my life."

Cooke offered a measured appraisal of the proposed Cedar Hills Recreational Facility, which would include shooting and archery ranges near Tarboo Ridge.

"I actually live within 2 miles of the proposed gun range at Tarboo, so it affects my personal quality of life," Cooke said. "I was really leery when I heard about explosives and Black Hawk helicopters."

Cooke described gunshots as "common sounds" out in the country, and opined those who buy property in the areas have already factored that noise into their purchases.

At the same time, Cooke suggested using technology to monitor the noise from the range and imposing fines if "the noise is excessive" at the neighboring properties.

"It comes down to a property-rights issue on both sides," Cooke said. "The owner has purchased the property and has his rights to use that property, but the neighbors have rights to live without excessive disturbances. The number of decibels needs to be determined and held as a standard, and environmental quality testing should be done to protect our environment."

Cooke dismissed the commissioners' moratorium on shooting ranges as "another example of postponing proposals and hoping they somehow go away."

Cooke likewise lambasted the commission for its delays in making a decision on the Brinnon Master Planned Resort, even as he acknowledged opinions remain divided on the issue, even among conservatives who live in the area.

"I wish we could say, 'We have this other opportunity to bring jobs to the area, so let's go that route,' but there are no other major job-producing options in the Brinnon area," Cooke said. "At the end of last year, nearly 90 percent of the students of Brinnon School reduced-price lunches. Young District 46 were on free or families need livable-wage jobs, and that is not happening now."

Either way, whether the commissioners vote yes, "yes with restrictions," or no, Cooke implored them to make a decision.