Washington kicks off campaign for auditor post

Kitsap County Interim Auditor Walt Washington, who was appointed to his position to fill the unexpired term of the retired Karen Flynn, has scheduled a series of campaign events in support of his first full-fledged bid for an elected term.

Washington, 61, was hired as chief deputy auditor in 2007. When Flynn retired this spring, she endorsed Washington as her replacement.

He subsequently drew the most support of three candidates during the screening process and his appointment was then unanimously approved by the Kitsap commissioners.

Flynn’s support for Washington has continued, and she is hosting a reception for him at her home at 7 p.m. today.

Other events will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 16 at Molly Ward Gardens in Poulsbo and from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 31 at the home of Kitsap County Clerk Dave Peterson.

According to his campaign, Washington is a decorated veteran with more than 19 years of auditor-related experience. This includes licensing services, election administration, voter registration, finance, accounting and payroll and records management.

He earned a degree in personnel management from the University of Nevada.

A Democrat, Washington has not drawn any opposition either from the Republicans or from within his own party.

Kitsap County Republican Chairman Jack Hamilton said he is attempting to recruit candidates for the auditor position as well as the North Kitsap commissioner position, for which Steve Bauer is also currently unopposed.

For more information about Washington’s campaign events, call (360) 710-5085.

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