PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners installed its first new member since 2006 and its first woman member since 2003 at a meeting Monday.

Kathleen Kler, who represents District 3, succeeds two-term Commissioner John Austin, who declined to seek re-election.

About 40 people — a near capacity crowd — attended the meeting and gave Kler a round of applause when she entered the chamber.

But at least half of those present were there to offer comment about the county’s marijuana moratorium (see Page A1).

Dan Toepper, whom Kler defeated for the seat in November’s election, was in the audience but did not speak publicly.

Once the commissioner was seated, it elected David Sullivan as chair after a motion by Phil Johnson that was seconded by Kler.

Jim Fritz of Port Townsend, a frequent commentator at county commissioner meetings, welcomed Kler by stating that women have an advantage over men in politics.

“By the time a woman reaches 35, she’s heard every conceivable lie there is, and that has to be an advantage in politics,” he said.

“Women are better at reading between lines, they are better at cross-referencing information and better at reading body language.”

Fritz said that women care more about the future and children, which benefits society as a whole.

Sullivan cautioned Kler to not let the applause go to her head.

“When you are elected to any office, there is a lot of clapping,” said Sullivan, who is serving his third term.

“But you will be surprised how quickly the claps turn to boos.”

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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.