Today, Commissioner Rob Gelder announced he is stepping down from his elected position as Kitsap County Commissioner representing North Kitsap. Following is a statement he released to Kitsap County elected officials, directors and staff:

Having just celebrated 12 years of service to the residents of Kitsap County, it is bittersweet to share the news that I will be stepping down as County Commissioner effective May 23, 2023.  I truly love public service, especially at the local and county level.

As Commissioner, I have had the opportunity to learn about so many topics and issues over the years, but often only at a limited depth. I love to learn and have valued the wide range of subject matters in which the board is involved. I have always likened it to being in college, shifting from one course to another every few minutes of the day. I have thrived in this everchanging environment, but one thing is certain, I couldn’t have done so without the support of a phenomenal team of county staff and community members!

I had an opportunity presented to me that will afford me the chance to work with a team, to still support policy development, and to do a deeper dive into how certain services are provided to the community. That role will be as the Assistant County Manager for Thurston County. In that role I will be focusing on six key areas: public works, public defense, pre-trial services, health and human services, emergency services, and community planning/economic development.

In looking back over the past 12 years, I know I am blessed by the people I’ve worked with, met along the way, and the diverse community that is Kitsap County. There is a unique culture of collaboration between the various jurisdictions, elected officials, and staff. That is something to be celebrated and promoted.

While it is difficult to summarize my tenure in certain accomplishments, I am proud of many things:

• The role that I and the county played in making the Kingston Village Green a reality.
• Partnering with Coffee Oasis to expand into the Kingston community.
• The creation of a Forest Stewardship policy that governs the restorative thinning work throughout the Kitsap County Parks system.
• The addition of over 4,000 acres of public open space for community enjoyment now and in generations to come.
• Strong relationships with both the Suquamish and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribes.
• Partnering with the Suquamish Tribe to create the Port Madison Dialogues.
• Moving the long-term solution for addressing Kingston ferry traffic impacts forward in partnership with our state legislators, the Port of Kingston, Kitsap Transit and community members – there is funding and a plan to bring it to fruition.
• The way county staff pivoted during the COVID pandemic and an everchanging environment.
• We have a county that is financially solid, but that does not diminish the structural inadequacies of how local government is funded and the need for resources to maintain or expand the levels of service.

For all this and so much more, I thank the county staff and the residents of Kitsap for their support and the privilege of being your public servant.