Candidates continue filing

There were no surprises in local races during this week’s candidate filing period.

Only those who had previously announced their intentions filed for open positions. Only Reece Rose, who announced she is running for county commissioner, didn’t filed by 2 p.m. Friday. The deadline is 4:30 p.m.

Yet the field for the U.S. representative position is a packed one. Incumbent Rick Larsen is facing challenges from Republican Rick Bart, the former Snohomish County sheriff, and Democrats Doug Schaffer and Glen Johnson.

In Legislative District 10, state Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano, will face two Oak Harbor residents: Republican Linda Haddon and Sarah Hart from America’s Third Party.

Republican Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, will face Democrat Tim Knue of Mount Vernon. Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, is facing challenges from Democrats Patricia Terry of Camano Island and Ann McDonald of Greenbank.

For the Island County Commissioner District 1, Democrat Helen Price Johnson and Curt Gordon are trying to unseat incumbent Republican Phil Bakke. They are all South Whidbey residents.

Democrat Angie Homola is vying for Republican Commissioner Mac McDowell’s seat representing District 2. They are both North Whidbey residents.

Oak Harbor resident Sheilah Crider, a Republican, was recently appointed Island County Auditor and may run unopposed.

Wharf Fest

seeks boats, cars

Coupeville’s second annual Wharf Fest maritime celebration needs more vintage boats and automobiles to attend the two-day event.

Last year, the event attracted several steam launches from as far away as Spokane. However, with rising fuel costs, none are expected to attend this year.

“I’m hoping our communities can pull together, recruit some friends, and bring out their boats and classic cars to make this festival a really good one,” said Rick Castellano, one of the event planners.

Wharf Fest is June 28 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is centered around the historic 1905 Coupeville Wharf. The family festival features free children’s activities, roving pirates, live music, admission by donation to the museum, and vintage boats and autos on display. Several larger working boats are expected to show this year, but pleasure craft and classic cars are also encouraged to join the fun. Wharf Fest is presented by the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association.

For more information, call 678-3310.