Councilman Bill Knobloch has removed his name from a very unofficial list of possible candidates to replace Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Endresen.

“I want to set the record straight,” said the Wing Point resident. “It’s a very nice compliment to be considered, but my heart’s in Bainbridge.”

Knobloch said he intends to file as a candidate for reelection to his South Ward council seat.

Knobloch was never formally asked to consider replacing Endresen, who will leave her commission post next month for a job running the Washington state office of Sen. Maria Cantwell.

The two-term councilman did, however, receive “several” calls and emails from Democratic party activists, members of the Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee and local citizens.

“When Chris first announced she’d (leave), everyone was scurrying around and dropping names,” Knobloch said. “I got a couple calls (asking if) I’d be interested. They said I was a ‘very eligible’ person for the job.'”

He considered pursuing the position briefly, but opted to stay with the Bainbridge council.

“Bottom line: I like what I’m doing,” he said. “After six years (on the council), I’ve established relationships and there are several community issues I want to stay involved in.”

The local rumor mill about his possible candidacy was quite active, he said.

“Man, the buzz on this – I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said.

The county

Because Endresen is a Democrat, her party must nominate three of its members for consideration by the remaining county commissioners, Democrat Josh Brown and Republican Jan Angel.

The Democratic Party is this week still in the midst of establishing a schedule to put forth recommendations while candidates are deciding whether or not to put apply for the job, which pays about $100,000 a year.

If Brown and Angel cannot agree on a candidate to finish Endresen’s term, Gov. Chris Gregoire will appoint someone from the pool of candidates.