GOLD BEACH – Bill Waddle, elected to the Curry County Board of Commissioners in 2008 and taking office in January 2009, on Thursday announced his candidacy for re-election.

“It is official. I am running for re-election. I filed with the clerk’s office yesterday,” Waddle said as a meeting of county elected officials ended.

“I am committed to finding solutions for this county’s impending financial crisis,” he said. “Working with my fellow elected officials, we have the experience, knowledge and leadership skills necessary to successfully resolve this emergency. Coordination, cooperation, compromise and, most important, communication will be required to obtain the best results for the citizens of Curry County.”

Waddle serves as commissioner in Position 3 of the board, a nonpartisan position.

“I want to thank my family and friends, especially my wife Sandra, for their encouragement and trust in supporting this re-election campaign,” Waddle said.

Waddle is the first to file for commissioner for the May 15 election. Position 2, currently held by George Rhodes, is also up for election. Rhodes said this week that he has not decided whether to file.

Position 1 is held by David Itzen, who is currently completing his second year on the board. That position will not appear on the ballot until 2014.

Sheriff John Bishop filed for re-election on Oct. 11. He said Thursday he did not plan to make an official announcement unless and until someone else files for the position.

Deborah Crumley, who was appointed as county treasurer on Oct. 11, filed for election to that office on Oct. 25. Crumley, who had served as deputy treasurer, was named by the Board of Commissioners to the post to replace Isabella “Izzy” Brock, who resigned effective Aug. 18.

Other county offices on the ballot in 2012 are County Clerk and County Assessor.

Candidates have until March 6 to file for the May 15 primary election. If there is no clear winner at that election, a runoff will be held at the November general election.