Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Matthes Resigns as VP of KAPO

Tim Matthes, a candidate for County Commissioner from South Kitsap, has resigned as vice president of the Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners, (KAPO) so he can focus all his energies on getting elected. Matthes was the top vote-getter in the Aug. 19 primary, and will face former commissioner Charlotte Garrido in the Nov. 4 general election. Both are attempting to capture the seat being vacated by Jan Angel, who is running for the state House of Representatives from the 26th District.

In a prepared statement, Matthes stated, “I’m clearing the decks so I can do the best job possible as a candidate. My schedule has gotten very busy, and I have to give my campaign my full attention.”

KAPO has been a lightening rod for controversy in the area of local land-use issues, and is known for its strong support of property rights. It challenged Kitsap County in court over the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), and while losing in Superior Court, a recent Washington State Supreme Court decision has upheld its position while ruling on King County's CAO. While Matthes resigned his KAPO office, he will remain a member.

Matthes is also a member of the Kitsap County Board of Equalization, which hears challenges to the assessed value of local property. He has requested that his alternate take over that responsibility until the election is decided. Matthes said he would resign if elected because of the obvious conflict of interest.

He is also a member of the City of Port Orchard Planning Commission, and will continue to serve in that capacity until the election is over. If he wins, he will resign, and if not, he'll remain a member of the Commission.

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