PORT TOWNSEND — Robert Pontius of Beaver Valley has filed as a Republican candidate for Jefferson County commissioner in District 3.
Pontius, who registered as a candidate with the state Public Disclosure Commission on Monday, is challenging Port Ludlow Democrat John Austin for the commissioner seat now held by Pat Rodgers, R-Brinnon.
Rodgers for personal reasons has chosen not to seek a second four-year term.
Pontius, 62, is a cattle rancher and part-time truck driver who formerly owned a transportation company in Seattle with a fleet of 12 semis and dumptrucks.
A resident of Port Ludlow eight years, he has served on the Port Ludlow Fire and Rescue board for almost seven years. He was re-elected last year to a second six-year term.
He has also served on the Jefferson County Fair Board.