The four candidates for the City Council’s Central Ward position stopped by the Kitsap Sun office for a discussion with the editorial board. The video of the discussion is above.

John Green, Chris Van Dyk, Joe Levan and David Ward hope to replace Councilman Bill Knobloch, who is not seeking re-election.

The Sun’s endorsements for the Central Ward and At-Large council races will be in Sunday’s paper.

The deadline for mailing or dropping off ballots for the primary election is Aug. 16.

Longtime Bainbridge City Councilman Bill Knobloch announced on Thursday he will not seek a fourth term.

Knobloch said in a statement that his decision was based on a desire to spend more time with family.

“My reasons have everything to do with needing more time with my wife and family, including five children and fifteen grandchildren who have been very patient as I served our island for the last ten years,” he said.
Knobloch has represented the Central Ward, which includes Winslow, since 2002.

He is the longest serving of the current seven-member council.

No one has announced a bid for his council seat.

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UPDATE: Peters isn’t sure yet whether he’s running for his At-Large position or the Central Ward position held by Councilman Bill Knobloch. See my story (with Knobloch’s take) here.

Councilman Barry Peters announced today he will seek a second term on the Bainbridge City Council.

Peters, who was elected unopposed to the council’s island-wide, at-large position in 2008, is one of four council members up for re-election this year. Council members Bill Knobloch, Kim Brackett and Hilary Franz are still mulling over whether to run.

Property developer John Green is the only other declared council candidate. Green said in January that he would challenge Peters if Peters decided to run again. Green also said he may seek Knobloch’s Central Ward seat if Knobloch decides not to run. Knobloch has indicated he is strongly leaning toward running again.

Head down below to read Peters’ re-election announcement. He mentions roads maintenance, local agriculture, government transparency, environmental preservation and public safety as some of his top priorities.
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