Island County Assessor Challenger Spends $69,000 of Own Money

Doug Stults has spent nearly $69,000 to run for Island County assessor, a figure more than twice the combined spending in the county’s previous four assessor elections. The majority of that sum came from his own pocket and in-kind support, while he raised only $465 from other contributors.

Stults, an appraiser currently working in the assessor’s office, is challenging incumbent Kelly Mauck. Campaign finance reports filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission show Stults has about $26,000 in outstanding debt. He indicated he might cover that debt himself if he does not raise additional funds. In the August primary, Stults defeated Mauck with 15,078 votes against Mauck’s 13,470.

The candidates interpret the spending differently. Mauck argued the expenditure suggests the position is for sale. "I think it sends a message that elected positions are for sale," Mauck said. Stults countered that self-funding reduces outside influence. He wrote that he took no contributions from real estate or development businesses or PACs, stating, "I will be accountable to voters and not real estate donors."

Other county races show different financial patterns. In the sheriff’s race, challenger Tavier Wasser raised $49,937 as of October 22 without contributing his own money. Incumbent Sheriff Rick Felici raised $26,147. In the commissioner race, Grant Shaw and Matthew Van Pelt have spent a combined $57,565. Both rely partly on personal loans, with Shaw reporting $13,100 in liabilities and Van Pelt reporting $21,900.

Historical records show a sharp increase in assessor race costs. From 2010 through 2022, candidates spent a combined $34,250. In 2022, Mauck spent $3,996 while his opponent reported no expenditures. Stults’ current spending is more than 17 times the total from that cycle. He cited his first-time status and the need for professional guidance from Seattle-based firm CN4 Partners to explain the costs.

Mauck said he has heard voters express concern about the high spending. "It’s also concerning that somebody could spend that much money on a local county election," he said. He noted that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1976 that limits on personal spending violate the First Amendment. Stults said his investment reflects the diligence required for fair property assessments. Voters will choose the next assessor in the general election on Tuesday, November 3.