The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Wahkiakum County commissioners appointed Marlena Silva to be county treasurer when incumbent Paula Holloway retires at the end of the month.

The board made the decision Tuesday, choosing over two other candidates, Tammy Peterson and David Goodroe.

The appointment is good through 2012. The two-year unexpired portion of Holloway's term will be on the fall election ballot, and candidates may file for that election in May.

Commissioners said the decision was extremely difficult for them.

"Speaking for the board, I'll take the liberty to suggest to all parties that have applied to continue to research the job and to run for election and let the voters make this choice," said Commissioner Blair Brady, who was acting as board chair in the absence of Commissioner Dan Cothren.

Cothren had missed the earlier portion of the commissioners' meeting to attend another meeting in Aberdeen, but he joined the board's meeting by phone to make the appointment.

"Who do you pick, Dan," Brady asked.

"Marlena Silva," Cothren replied.

Brady then directed the same question to Commissioner Lisa Marsyla.

"I'm in the fourth year of my term in office, and this is the hardest decision I've had to make," Marsyla said. "I like all three candidates. I think they all did a great job, and I hope all three run again. I don't think that I'm worthy of making the decision; I think the voters are worthy of that. I've been up since 2:00 this morning; that's how difficult it is for me, and I honestly don't know who to pick.

"When I think through the whole thing, I vote for Marlena Silva."

"Congratulations Marlena Silva; you're our new treasurer," Brady said.

Silva, however, wasn't present. "Well, for the record," Brady said.

"Are you voting," Marsyla asked Brady.

"It's two votes; that settles it," Brady said. "It's not necessary.

"You know, that really angers me," Marsyla said.

"All right, I will vote for Marlena Silva also," Brady said.

"You need to be on the record as voting," Marsyla said. "That was a horrible decision."