County commissioner races begin to take shape

Two races for the Shelton County Commission are taking shape.

Commissioner Kevin Shutty announced he will not seek another term in the fall representing District 2, and Commissioner Randy Neatherlin told the Journal on Tuesday he's still considering whether to run for another term representing District 3.

Richard Beckman, owner of Richard Beckman Realty Group in downtown Shelton, announced last week he is running to replace Shutty. William Harris, a Republican who lives at LakeLand Village, said he is running for Neatherlin's seat.

In an interview with the Journal, Shutty said his announcement "gives a three-month runway" for others to file to represent District 2. He said he and his wife Catherine, a nurse practitioner at Mason Health, will continue to live in Union and he will continue to teach courses in American government on the Olympic College campuses in Shelton and Poulsbo.

"We're staying put in Mason County," Shutty said. He added, "We have a vested interest in the community."

Asked whether he has advice for his successor, Shutty said, "It's a partisan position but check the letter after your name at the door ... Recognize there's power in partnership ... Be curious, be open."

Shutty said he's grateful to the county staff.

"I'm so much better as a leader, a manager and as a person having worked with them," he said.

In a news release last week, Shutty said it was a "privilege" to serve the people of District 2 and Mason County the past eight years.

"During my time in office, I am proud of the progress Mason County has made on issues important to our community like increased funding for public safety, expanded services for people struggling with mental health and substance use issues, investments in infrastructure, and returning fiscal responsibility to the county's budget."

In his news release, Shutty noted that he was on regional and state boards, including the Thurston-Mason Behavioral Health Administrative Organization, "which was pivotal in bringing the Mason County Law Enforcement Co-Responder program to the community, a model developed locally and now receiving national recognition for its success helping people in crisis."

This is the first campaign for public office for Harris, 61. In an interview with the Journal, Harris said, "I want to give back, I want to get involved."

The Puyallup native worked as a civil engineering officer for the U.S. Air Force and retired after 24 years as colonel. He now does consulting work for the U.S. Department of Energy. Harris and his wife, Eileen, moved to LakeLand Village in 2020 and have four children and three grandchildren.