Published January 09, 2013
Thurston County GOP names 3 candidates for county auditor
CHELSEA KROTZERThe Thurston County Republicans have named three candidates to replace Secretary of State-elect Kim Wyman as county auditor. The party’s first choice is Olympia real estate agent Carol Person, followed by 2nd District Rep. Gary Alexander and Yelm Mayor Ron Harding, said party chairman Zeke Lyen. Wyman will become the 15th secretary of state Wednesday, leaving her county position open until the election in November. Wyman had served as county auditor since January 2001. The county commission will choose from among the three candidates, said county manager Don Krupp. “Once the position is vacant, the board has the authority to appoint,” he said. “If they don’t within 60 days, the decision is referred to the governor to make.” Krupp said it’s up to the commissioners to decide on the process for appointing Wyman’s replacement. The commissioners could decide to interview each of the candidates, pick a name from the list or follow the suggested priority rankings by the Thurston County Republicans.