Tim Matthes, who declared his candidacy for Jan Angel’s seat on the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, kicked off his campaign Friday with an ice cream social at the Port Orchard National Guard Armory.

Around 125 supporters gathered to help Matthes launch his campaign effort. The event raised almost $4,000.00 for his campaign.

“We are off to a great start,” said Matthes. “Now I will take my campaign directly to the people of Kitsap County, as I begin walking the neighborhoods of the District and personally meeting voters.”

The event was based on invitations to known supporters, and Matthes said Monday the turnout was much higher than expected.

“This one was excellent, I couldn’t have wished for a better one,” he said. “We had a really strong turnout of the people we invited. I was told to expect a turnout of a fourth of the people invited.”

Matthes is seeking to replace Jan Angel, who is leaving that south county office this year. Commissioner Angel has endorsed his candidacy, and was among the well-wishers gathered for the event. Angel is now a candidate for State Representative for the 26th District, Position 1 .

State representative candidates Marlyn Jensen (26th District), Brad Gehring (35th District) and Randy Neatherlin (35th District) were also present.

Matthes said he would begin doorbelling and will have more events reaching out to a wider spectrum of supporters.

“We have several (events) in the planning stages,” he said, which will be focused on invited members of the general public.

Matthes has listed “an ever-increasing tax burden” among the top agenda items on his campaign. He is also concerned about problems with home ownership.

Matthes now serves on the county’s Board of Equalization, which arbitrates assessed valuation disagreements between property owners and the County Assessor. He also serves on the Port Orchard Planning Commission and the Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners.

For more information on the Matthes campaign, you may visit his Web site at www.timforkitsap.com.