By Pepper Fisher
PORT ANGELES – A second candidate has filed to run for the position of Clallam County Department of Community Development Director.
Local builder Kevin Russell filed Monday to face Jesse Major for the position being vacated by Mary Ellen Winborn.
Russell moved to Clallam County in 2003, started a construction company, and joined the North Peninsula Building Association, where he soon joined the Board of Directors and was twice its President. He was also a member of the organization’s Future Builders program.
Russell served as President of the Building Industry Association of Washington, and on the Board of the National Association of Home Builders. He once testified before a US Senate subcommittee on stormwater issues, and says he was a founding member of Built Green of Washington, which is all about environmentally sound home design and construction.
If elected, a primary concern for Russell will be balancing the preservation of our county’s rural character and our need for housing.
“We need housing. How do we best balance the two? And what I would look for is, one the direction of the community members. You know, to me, this campaign is a six-month-long job interview, and I feel that a vote is earned. It is not given. And it’s my intention to earn people’s votes and have them want me to be the leader of the Department of Community Development. And that entails listening to the community.”
Certainly, an issue important to the community is code enforcement, and Russell believes his background in both construction and law enforcement will benefit the department.
“I don’t know if a lot of people know, I’m retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. So I have an extensive background and understanding, one, the law, and two, code enforcement. As a deputy sheriff we frequently were called in to support our code enforcement officers in Los Angeles County. So I look forward to an opportunity to work with the new sheriff, as well as working with the prosecutor’s office. So, I’m hoping that with my breadth and depth of experience that I can bring that to the table.”
Russell also wants to see that young people have a place at the table when it comes to housing and business opportunities.
“I’ve known young folks that have worked in the restaurants, the coffee shops, you know, the lumber yards and that, that have either worked for me or worked with me. That now are business owners, that are now starting families. They’re taking the time to invest in their future in Clallam County, and I feel it would be my responsibility to make certain that their investment is rewarded by a safe, clean, great environment to raise their families, and I want to support them the best I can.”