Aside from the heated races for Poulsbo’s city council and mayor and the North Kitsap School Board of Directors, election season in the North End is going to be quiet this year.

Of the 14 positions up for election in the North End — including port, fire and water districts —  nearly every incumbent reapplied for his or her current job. Only one position will be contested though — Kitsap County Fire District No. 18 (Poulsbo Fire) Commissioner Position 4. Newcomer Stan Thalberg is challenging incumbent David Ellingson this year.

“I thought I could make a contribution to the way Poulsbo Fire operates and looks at certain issues,” Thalberg said about why he decided to file. He was a volunteer in the fire service in Jefferson County for 13 years and has lived in Poulsbo for the last two years.

If elected, he would like to explore several issues, including establishing a citizens advisory committee to allow the public input on decisions with long-term effects; having some means to determine whether the district has the correct number of responders, staff and apparatus to serve all of the citizens in the district; and developing a safety monitoring plan for firefighters.

Incumbent Ellingson said he wants to continue to be involved with the district that is growing and improving.

“I think there are good things going on in Fire District 18,” he said. “We have a lot of initiatives in place that will enhance fire service to the community and I think I can make a valuable contribution to the community.”

Having an opponent in the contest is good for the public, he added, as it gives the voters the opportunity to make an informed decision.

Ellingson is finishing out his first six-year term and oversaw several district projects during that time, including the construction and staffing of a new fire station on Pioneer Hill with no new taxes. He also negotiated two new contracts with the firefighters union, helped oversee upgrades to the district’s apparatus, and assisted in developing a strategic plan for the fire district.

The only other new name on the list for the North End is C. Joyce McClain, who has filed to run for the Port of Eglon Commissioner District 3 position, held by John Taylor, who did not re-file for the position.

There is a special filing period open through 4:30 p.m. today for the positions that no one filed for last week, including Position 2 for the Port of Keyport Board of Commissioners.

That position is held by Thomas Dudzic. Kitsap County Hospital District No. 2 also has two positions open, but the district is in the process of dissolving and current commissioners do not expect candidates to re-file.

The remaining positions are expected to go uncontested:

• Kitsap County Fire District No. 18 (Poulsbo Fire) Board of Commissioners:

Commissioner Position 2: Linda N. Gunby

Commissioner Position 3: Jack D. Woodard

• North Kitsap Fire & Rescue Board of Commissioners:

Commissioner Position 3: Stephen E. “Steve” Neupert

Commissioner Position 5: Fernando “Espy” Espinosa

• Local port positions:

Port of Eglon Commissioner District 2: Wallis Kimble

Port of Indianola Commissioner District 1: Jeff Henderson

Port of Indianola Commissioner District 3: Robert Kinnaird

Port of Kingston Commissioner District 3: Thomas A. Coultas

Port of Poulsbo Commissioner Position 3: Arnold Bockus

Candidates who filed last week also have until Thursday to withdrawal. The official list of candidates is expected to be released Aug. 5.