Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown, whom
outgoing Congressman Norm Dicks had on a short list of possible
replacement candidates, announced Sunday he will not seek to
represent the Sixth Congressional District.
Brown, a Democrat, said he feels he can be most effective in his
current position as Central Kitsap Commissioner, a post to which he
was re-elected in 2010.
“I ran for commissioner six years ago to make a difference in the
community I grew up in, and I think I’ve done that,” Brown said.
“At the end of the day, my passion is really working at the local
level and on regional issues.”
Locally, Brown cited his role in the completion of a YMCA in
Central Kitsap. Regionally, as president
of the Puget Sound Regional Council he was able to help secure
a long-term commitment from Boeing, he said. Brown also chairs the
Hood Canal Coordinating Council.
Brown said his decision was in no way influenced by state
Sen. Derek Kilmer’s recent announcement that he will run for
Dick’s seat.
“I don’t make decisions dependent on other people,” Brown said. “I
make decisions based on what’s right, and what’s right for me is to
stay on the board of commissioners.”
Brown said he was honored Dicks mentioned him among fewer than a
half dozen potential Democratic candidates, including Kilmer,
Marilyn Strickland, mayor of Tacoma, and Pierce County Executive
Pat McCarthy. McCarthy has endorsed Kilmer.
Brown said he hopes whoever replaces the long-time congressman will
have Dicks’ same commitment to Kitsap’s Naval bases and to the
environment.
“I was really surprised at Norm’s decision a couple of weeks ago,”
Brown said. “He’s a good friend and the best congressman anyone
could ask for.”
Chris Henry, reporter
