CANYON CITY – Ken Boethin wants to be the county’s next chief administrator. The long-time county employee filed in January for a spot on this year’s ballot.

Boethin was the only person to file as of Feb. 16 for the position of judge of the Grant County Court, which heads the three-person panel that governs the county.

Dennis Reynolds, the current judge, announced early this month that he isn’t seeking a third six-year term. Reynolds’ terms ends Dec. 31.

Boethin is a democrat, with republican tendencies, he said. He grew up in Grant County and graduated in 1969 from Grant Union High School. He has a degree in counseling from what was Western Oregon State University. His wife, Shermayne, who teaches kindergarten at Humbolt Elementary School, is also a county native.

Some people approached Boethin about running for the position, and he made the decision to file during the Christmas holiday.

“I filed before Dennis’ decision,” said Boethin, who has been the county’s director of community corrections since 1981.

After 25 years of overseeing court-ordered supervision of juveniles and adults, Boethin was ready for a job change, and he wants to assist the county in moving forward, he said.

March 7 is the last day to file for the May 16 primary election. The general election is Nov. 7. Commissioner Boyd Britton’s seat is up for election this year. Scott Myers’ term has two years remaining.