Write-in candidates enter coming elections

With the county auditor's office getting ready to mail election ballots to voters next week, two people have announced write-in candidacies.

In the Naselle/Grays River Valley School District, Mike Queener filed last May for election of the board of directors. This past week, Michelle Condon has announced she wants to be a write-in candidate for the postion.

In Cathlamet, former Council Member John Hannah has filed for the office of mayor. Late last week, new resident George Wehrfritz announced he will be a write-in candidate for the position.

Hannah served on the town council five years before resigning about a year ago.

"I feel that I can be a benefit for the town," he said when asked why he's running for mayor. "I want to be part of the solution for issues that come up for the town.

"I feel that I am qualified for this position since I have previous experience working for the town as a council member for five years, and during that time have been able to understand the workings of the town."

Hannah has taught eight years in the Wahkiakum School District. He is varsity wrestling coach and has coached football at high and middle school levels. He is a lieutenant in the Cathlamet Fire Department. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children.

Wehrfritz and his wife, Diane, have owned a residence in Cathlamet for several years. He retired this year as Hong Kong bureau chief of Newsweek magazine and has become a full-time Cathlamet resident. He is now working out of his home as head of international research for Saratoga Research and Investment Management company. Diane is principal of an elementary school near Hong Kong in China.

"Our town needs quality leadership at this critical juncture in its history," he said when asked why he's running for mayor. "I hope to work closely with the town council to improve the local economy, meet fiscal challenges and complete vital projects.

"John Hannah is a teacher, a coach, and a fireman, all of which I respect tremendously. I offer a background in economics and finance that could be helpful, considering the hard times we now face. I also have extensive experience managing small teams effectively in an industry where 'doing more with less' was a key mantra. I think this experience would translate well to local government."

The Eagle will have more complete coverage of these races in next week's edition.