Veteran South Whidbey School District board of directors member Fred O’Neal decided to run again for his position, perhaps after seeing he would have some competition.O’Neal said early in the week he wasn’t certain he would file for his Position 2 seat. However, Rocco Gianni, who is ending his career as a Langley Middle School teacher this year, filed early Thursday morning. At 2:14 a.m. to be exact, according to the Island County Auditor’s website.Later that day, at 10:02 a.m., O’Neal threw his hat in the ring. Barring a third candidate on Friday, the two will meet in the general election.The second open seat on the school board, Position 5, is up for grabs with the incumbent sitting it out. Seeking the position through Thursday were Miriam Coates and Betty Bond.Port of South Whidbey board President Curt Gordon filed early in the week, but found out later he will have competition for a second term in Position 3. Ed Jenkins filed Thursday at 10:44 a.m. Jenkins has run before and has criticized the port on some spending issues. He frequently attended regular port meetings but hasn’t been seen there for several months.In the City of Langley, no competition had surfaced through Thursday. Appointed Mayor Fred McCarthy was still the only one running for mayor. Incumbent Rene Neff was unopposed for Position 1. On Wednesday, Margot James filed for Position 2, while Thomas Gill filed for Position 5. Doug Allderdice and Hal Seligson will be leaving the council.South Whidbey Fire/EMS Commissioner Kenon Simmons filed Wednesday and had no competition through Thursday. Running unopposed for South Whidbey Parks and Recreation seats are Captn Blynd for Position 3 and incumbent Matthew Simms for Position 5.The only water district position was competition through Thursday was at Lagoon Beach, recently hit hard by a landslide, where Robert Rodgers and Bob Vierra both filed for Position 4.The filing deadline if Friday, May 17 at 4 p.m. Stop by the Island County Auditor’s Office in Coupeville or visit the auditor’s website to learn how to file online.
