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Kitsap commissioners fill advisory seats, affirm Gina Buskirk to district court judge vacancy
Summary
The board appointed Patrick Sheldon to the Bainbridge Island Ferry Advisory Committee, named Bob Gilbey and Paisley Gallagher to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for four‑year terms, and affirmed the appointment of Gina Buskirk to fill the Kitsap County District Court Judge Department 2 vacancy.
The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved several appointments and formally affirmed a judicial appointment announced earlier in April.
The board appointed Patrick Sheldon to the Bainbridge Island Ferry Advisory Committee to fill a vacant term ending Aug. 31, 2025. Commissioners noted Sheldon’s 30+ years as a Bainbridge Island resident, his long commute to Seattle as a trial attorney and volunteer work with local nonprofits. Sheldon told the board he intends to “lend a strong voice to do whatever we can to sustain and improve the ferry system.”
The board also appointed Bob Gilbey and Paisley Gallagher to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) for four‑year terms ending Dec. 31, 2028. County staff and commissioners praised Gilbey’s experience operating Rockaloo Farms, his composting training and his service on the Kitsap Conservation District board; Gallagher was introduced as a sustainable living and development coordinator with Washington State University Kitsap Extension who has worked on food recovery, composting and produce safety and received a Kitsap Community Agriculture Alliance award.
Separately, the board affirmed resolution number 061-2025 appointing Gina Buskirk to fill the Kitsap County District Court Judge Department No. 2 vacancy created by Judge Jeffrey Yance’s planned retirement (effective May 31, 2025). The resolution cites the Revised Code of Washington requirement that the board fill a district court vacancy; the appointment will last until a successor is elected at the next general election. Buskirk, who was present online, thanked the commissioners and said she will listen attentively to court participants and make decisions “based on the law and the facts.”
All appointments and the judicial affirmation were approved by unanimous voice vote.
Votes at a glance: • Patrick Sheldon: appointed to Bainbridge Island Ferry Advisory Committee to complete a vacant term ending 08/31/2025 — motion carried (ayes unanimous). • Bob Gilbey and Paisley Gallagher: appointed to Solid Waste Advisory Committee for four‑year terms ending 12/31/2028 — motion carried (ayes unanimous). • Gina Buskirk: affirmed as Kitsap County District Court Judge Department No. 2 vacancy appointment; holds office until a successor is elected — motion carried (ayes unanimous).
The board emphasized the advisory committees’ roles: the ferry committees advise Washington State Ferries on rider concerns, and SWAC assists in developing solid waste handling programs, management plans and reviewing rules and ordinances.
