Jeff Curry, an Olympia resident and Tumwater school bus driver, is running for Thurston County Public Utility District (PUD) Commissioner District 3.

The nonpartisan seat is open after Commissioner Chris Stearns chose not to seek re-election. Curry faces one opponent, Chris Pettit, in the Nov. 3 general election. Curry advanced from the Aug. 4 primary, according to state election records.

For Thurston County residents served by the PUD, the race will determine who helps oversee the district's water systems.

Who is Jeff Curry?

Curry has driven school buses for Tumwater School District 33 since 2001, according to his BallotReady profile. He has also been self-employed as a master farrier, horse whisperer and farm manager since 2000. He earned an associate's degree in information technology from South Puget Sound Community College in 2018.

He has served on the board for the Scott Lake community's local water district and describes himself as a small business owner, according to his statement in the Thurston County Voter's Pamphlet as reported by the Nisqually Valley News.

In 2022, Curry ran for Thurston County Treasurer, according to the county's unofficial primary election results from that year.

What Curry says he'd focus on

Curry listed three priorities in his voter's pamphlet statement: affordability, expanding solar energy and investing in clean water technology.

On solar, Curry stated that adding solar resources to the local grid would provide energy independence, diversify the power supply and improve long-term sustainability.

On water, he proposed developing a mobile app that would let Thurston County residents check water quality in their area from their phones.

"I am committed to common-sense leadership that protects your hard-earned money while preparing our county for the future," Curry wrote in his voter's pamphlet statement.

Public engagement

Curry did not respond to the Thurston Chronicle's request for an interview, the Nisqually Valley News reported. He also did not attend a Thurston County Chamber of Commerce candidate forum, according to the Thurston Chronicle.

His opponent, Pettit, told the chamber forum he is running on more than 20 years of water and environmental resource management experience. Pettit said he would emphasize affordability, transparency in rate-setting and water system resiliency.

As we reported Oct. 12, no issue positions, campaign platform or questionnaire responses from Curry were available at that time. His voter's pamphlet statement remains the most detailed public account of his priorities.