Olsen and Wolfe lead race for Pacific County Commission seats

One incumbent and one challenger projected winners

Following the Tuesday, Nov. 8, General Election first vote count, District #1 challenger

Lisa Olsen and District 2 incumbent Frank Wolfe both hold narrow leads in races for Pacific County Commission seats in initial vote counting on Election Day.

District 1

Challenger Lisa Olsen, a longtime Pacific County assessor, has earned 4,557 votes for a 52.9 percent share, nearly 4 percent more than incumbent Commissioner Steve Rogers. A retired public school administrator, Rogers has earned 4,058 votes for 47.1 percent of the 8,615 ballots counted thus far.

Rogers ran on a platform of working toward developing more affordable housing for seniors, streamlining county permitting processes and providing resources to continue improving code enforcement to protect the county’s environment.

Olsen ran on a platform of balancing ever-increasing public safety needs with the also increasing strain on the county budget, pursuing economic development balanced with maintaining a healthy environment and dealing with drug use, mental health issues and homelessness.

District 2

Incumbent District 2 County Commissioner Frank Wolfe, a retired U.S. Merchant Marine officer and small business owner, currently enjoys a more than 7 percent lead over his challenger, 19+-year Pacific County Fire District No. 1 commissioner, Fred Hill. After the first round of vote tallies, Wolfe has 4,093 votes for 53.7 percent, with Hill earning 3,529 votes for a 46.3 percent share.

Wolfe ran on a platform of maintaining public safety by continuing to increase the sheriff’s budget annually, addressing public health issues and continuing to look for cost savings and efficiency gains in the county wherever possible.

Hill ran on a platform of improving zoning and building regulations to speed up permitting processes, passing a budget with good long range planning and goals and ensuring equitable treatment for all county residents.

The next Pacific County ballot count is scheduled for Nov. 15.

Steve Rogers

Steve Rogers

Frank Wolfe

Frank Wolfe