Gazette-Times reporter

Benton County voters will have a host of candidates to choose from when primary election ballots hit mailboxes in May.

In addition to the presidential and statewide primaries, there are several local races for voters to decide.

Corvallis voters in Witham Hill and parts of the Timberhill neighborhood in Corvallis’ Ward 7 will decide a new city councilor to represent them for just five months.

Because all City Council terms end every two years, voters will choose new representation in November, including the councilor elected in May.

“We are one of those unique cities that turn them over every two years,” said Kathy Louie, city recorder. “So, yes, they would have to do it again for the next term.”

Retired educator Jeanne Raymond and local insurance agent Rick Schroff will seek the vacant Ward 7 position. The seat became vacant in December when Councilor Scott Zimbrick died shortly after being diagnosed with acute leukemia. He had served on the council since 2002.

Mayor Charlie Tomlinson has scheduled a Ward 7 candidate forum for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, in the Walnut Community Room at Corvallis Fire Station 5, 4950 N.W. Fair Oaks Drive.

Tomlinson will moderate the discussion, which will feature statements from each candidate. Voters will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Benton County’s district attorney will also be selected during the primary election.

Incumbent John Haroldson is running unopposed. He was appointed to the job by Gov. Ted Kulongoski in February 2007.

Two seats on the Benton County Board of Commissioners will also be on the May ballot, but since no party has more than one candidate running, the primary is a formality. The commissioner positions will be decided in November.

For Commission Position 2, incumbent Jay Dixon, a Democrat, will run unopposed. Incumbent Democrat Annabelle Jaramillo will face Republican Chris Nusbaum for Position 3.

Jaramillo has been a commissioner since 2001. Nusbaum is a three-term mayor of Philomath.

Voters have until April 29 to change or register a party affiliation in order to vote in a party primary. Postmarks don’t count; the county election office must have the registration form, with a signature, by 5 p.m. Because a signature is required, voters cannot register or change party affiliation online.

Voters who have not selected a party will still be able to vote for district attorney countywide and for Ward 7 city councilor, if they live in the ward.

Matt Neznanski can be reached at 758-9518 or matt.neznanski@lee.net.