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

Wahkiakum County commissioners grudgingly authorized Tuesday the payment of a $100 voucher for a representative of the county treasurer's office to attend a computer training program.

Treasurer Paula Holloway had submitted the voucher claim for participation in a training program on the new computer software the county is installing which links the offices of the treasurer, auditor and assessor.

Last week, however, commissioners declined to approve the voucher, saying they had questions about who would attend the training. Holloway, who is retiring in March, was out of the office at a medical appointment and wasn't available last Tuesday.

Commissioners raised the concern again on Tuesday, wondering if Holloway planned to attend the conference.

Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow said he had been asked for an opinion on the matter, and he told the commissioners that the money was included in the budget the board had approved for the treasurer, so they had little choice but to approve the voucher.

Commission Chair Dan Cothren said the board simply had questions about the reason for the expense.

"All we're doing is asking why," he said. "Why would you go to a conference when you're resigning?"

Commissioner Lisa Marsyla said she didn't want to approve the expense because her questions hadn't been answered. She moved that the voucher be paid, having passed commission review but not having commission approval.

The motion passed.

Holloway wasn't present at Tuesday's meeting; she said she didn't know the board wanted to talk to her. She said she had the training for her successor's benefit.

Democrats nominate three to fill position

Members of the Wahkiakum County Democratic Central Committee met last week to nominate three candidates to replace Holloway.

Committee member and county Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow said the committee interviewed several candidates. In alphabetical order, they nominated David Goodroe, Tammy Peterson and Marlena Silva.

Commissioners planned to interview the candidates at their meeting next week and pick a replacement the week after that.

The appointee will hold office through 2012. The two-year unexpired portion of Holloway's term will be on the fall election ballot; candidates may file for the position in May.