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

Cathlamet Councilmember Steven McNicholas is facing a write-in challenge in this week's general election.

Cathlamet native Dale Jacobson this week said he is challenging McNicholas for the latter's apparent support of Mayor George Wehrfitz's efforts to restructure the financial practices of the Cathlamet Fire Department.

"Having served a small community in the past, I realized something is just plain wrong with our mayor's recent reckless actions," Jacobson said in a statement to The Eagle this week.

"He has sicced the state auditors on our fine volunteer fire department, using thousands of the town's dollars (not allowed for in the current budget) on a witch hunt.

"It is clear to me that incumbent Steve McNicholas is in lock step approval of the mayor's actions.

"I felt my asking the citizens to write me in as a councilman in Mr. McNicholas's position would allow the town to show its displeasure with what has been happening."

McNicholas declined to respond to Jacobson's statement.

Jacobson has operated a propane delivery service in Long Beach for many years and he served as mayor of that town.