The Washington State Democratic Party will help defend Central Kitsap Commissioner Josh Brown against two lawsuits that challenge his residency.
“These are harassment actions that could bankrupt this young man,” said party chairman Dwight Pelz. “We are confident the (suits have) no merit and we will provide the support he needs.”
Two Kitsap County residents have filed legal challenges against Brown, claiming that he did not reside in the district he was elected to represent at the time of the election.
One challenge was filed by Robert Ross of Bremerton, and seeks to invalidate Brown’s election win. The second challenge, by James M. Olsen of Bainbridge Island, seeks to prevent Brown from voting in the Feb. 6 election.
Brown defeated Republican Jack Hamilton in November to represent the Central Kitsap district on the Kitsap County Commission.
He first occupied a rental apartment in Bremerton on July 13, 2006. Due to his campaign he did not spend a lot of time at the apartment, he said.
The plaintiffs, represented by Seattle law firm Davis, Wright and Tremaine, claim that Brown actually lived at his parents’ home in the North Kitsap. Brown’s attorney, John Morgan of Silverdale, has said Brown has evidence of his residence in the Central Kitsap District, including utility bill receipts, a voter registration card and a driver’s license.
Pelz said that legal assistance to Brown will be provided by Seattle law firm Perkins Coie. While the Democratic Party will provide some of the legal funds out of its coffers it is soliciting contributions to a legal defense fund.
“I think the Democratic Party didn’t think that the local attorney was doing a good enough job,” Olsen said. “So they are bringing in the big-time gunslingers as a fall-back position.”
Olsen has said he has “compelling evidence” that Brown lied about his residence that he will not make public prior to an appearance before the Kitsap Canvassing Board. The meeting is not yet scheduled and Olsen has requested a venue change.
Democrats have contended that the challenges are “sour grapes.”
“The opposition can’t accept the will of the voters,” Pelz said. “It’s unfortunate that a young public servant needs to defend himself against these charges.”
The party has established a website on Brown’s defense at www.wa-democrats.org/JoshBrown.php
