Reporter Central Kitsap
Keep it classy Expanded classifieds inside Kitsap Week
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013 | Vol. 29, No. 10 | WWW.CENTRALKITSAPREPORTER.COM | 50¢
Brown reflects on his service in Kitsap County other two commissioners and began interviewing LKELLY@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM (candidates for) direcIt’s hard for Kitsap tors.” County Commissioner Brown said Larry Josh Brown to leave his Keeton, the current direcposition as District 3 tor of community develcommissioner. But just opment, who was the hire knowing that the county then “was the best hire is operating at a better ever.” level than when he took “He’s been here seven office makes it a bit eas- years and there’s been ier. some real stability to the “You’d be hard pressed department,” Brown said. to find a time in recent And, Brown said, the history when the county department has worked was stronger,” Brown said, with its customers —local as he prepares to leave his builders — and realigned job Dec. 31. “We’re stron- the permitting process. ger today than eight years “We have been noted ago when I for havtook office. ing one of The county the best as a whole “As a commission, lean manand the we’ve been able to agement o r g a n i z a - provide clear direction p r a c t i c e s tion has and that’s made in terms of weathered p e r m i t s ,” the great things happen.” he said. r e c e s - – Josh Brown Brown sion and said he’s we have not taka more stable economic ing credit for that, howenvironment than even ever, because it has been a before that.” team effort on the part of Brown, who has served county staff and all three on the commission for commissioners. eight years, announced “As a commission, last month that he is we’ve been able to proleaving at the end of vide clear direction and December to become the that’s made things hapexecutive director of the pen,” he said. Puget Sound Regional Too, he said, all departCouncil in Seattle. He said ments in the county this week that he plans to have worked at hiring move to Seattle and will and retaining excellent not maintain a residence employees, noting that in Kitsap County. “we have really good In reviewing his time people here in Kitsap on the commission, County.” Brown said one of the Keeton said Brown accomplishments he is provided the long term most proud of are the vision that was needed. changes to the depart“Commissioner Brown ment of community is a proven leader with development. a long-term vision that “It was broken when has come to fruition over I took office,” he said. his time in office,” Keeton “There had been eight directors in nine years. SEE JOSH BROWN, A13 The day after I was elected, I worked with the BY LESLIE KELLY
Seraine Page/ staff photo
Santa delights a group of children who came out for the annual tree lighting in Old Town Silverdale last Saturday. The event is the traditional kick-off of the season in Central Kitsap County.
Tree lighting brings Santa, good cheer BY SERAINE PAGE SPAGE@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM
Santa came to Silverdale over the weekend, and he did it in style, riding in to Old Town on a shiny red firetruck. His appearance came during the 59th annual Silverdale Tree Lighting event, a tradition that drew hundreds despite chilly temperatures. With the arrival of jolly ole’ St. Nick, residents crowded behind yellow tape, eager to shake his hand and say hello. At the end of the line, he stopped, and waited for the go-ahead to start his famous countdown. While looking to the tree adjacent to Silverdale Antiques, the crowd joined in on the countdown and cheered when the 131-foot tree was illuminated. It is the third largest living lit tree in the world, according to locals. The
Seraine Page/ staff photo
Families enjoyed haywagon rides during the festivities last Saturday in Silverdale. tree will stay lit through the new year and is set on a timer. “I’m glad to see it become more of a community event,” said Debbie Housen, Silverdale Antiques
owner. “It’s nice.” Housen’s parking lot served as the arrival site for Santa and several community clubs offering goodies to families. After the countdown, Santa made his way to
a throne where youngins offered up their wish lists and a local photographer snapped photos. Student choirs from Brownsville and Emerald SEE TREE LIGHTING, A13