With the filing of an official candidate affidavit on Friday afternoon, local businessman Doug Tamminga becomes the newest name on the 2008 candidates list. Tamminga, a Park County resident for almost seventeen years, is a Republican and will run for the party's nomination against incumbent District 1 Commissioner John Tighe.

A residential and commercial general contractor, Tamminga is involved with the community in both business and volunteer capacities. He has served with the Platte Canyon Fire Protection District for over ten years and is currently an active volunteer with the rank of Captain. He also holds the office of Board Secretary and serves as the Wildland Coordinator for the Volunteer Fire Department. In 1994, Tamminga served as co-facilitator on the Facilities Planning Committee for the Platte Canyon School District. He participated for two years in the grassroots steering committee seeking funding to build a new high school. The committee was successful and the bond passed, enabling the construction of the school. He currently holds the General Contractor seat on the State Electrical Board and has served in that position since 2001. The seat term limits in June of 2008.

Tamminga said he decided to run for a variety of reasons. He was asked and encouraged to run by friends in the Republican party as well as others not involved in the party. He also expressed a desire to serve as Commissioner to take the county in a new direction. "I'm results- and project-oriented rather than policy-oriented. Instead of asking for more money, I feel the county can do more with what they've got." He said that he would like to make the county more efficient and thereby more effective. "I would bring stronger leadership to the office," he added. Tamminga describes himself as "assertive and tenacious" and said he would stand his ground on issues.

Both Tighe and Tamminga will be vying for caucus delegate votes at the March 8 Republican County Assembly to determine which will represent the Republican party on the November ballot. If more than one candidate wins enough votes at County Assembly, their names will appear on a primary election ballot in August. The winner at Assembly or in a primary election will face unaffiliated candidate and former Flume Editor Lora Abcarian in the general election. Other candidates could also file to run in the election before the deadline.

For information on Park County's 2008 election, candidates list, general voter information, or the schedule and locations of February 5th caucus meetings to select delegates, please visit Park County Politics.