In this file photo from 2009, Jim Weaver is shown in his role as program technician with the Douglas County Conservation District.

A third candidate has entered the race to succeed Jim Flory as 3rd District Douglas County commissioner.

?Jim Weaver, of rural Lecompton, filed Friday as a Democrat for the seat. Two Republicans, Jim Denney and Michelle Derusseau, have filed for the position. Incumbent Republican Jim Flory said in January that he would not seek a third four-year term for the 3rd District seat, which represents precincts in west Lawrence and the western part of the county, including Clinton, Lecompton, Lone Star, Stull and Worden.

Weaver said he was with the Topeka Fire Department for 33 years and was the department’s deputy chief for six years before retiring in 2005. While with the department, he also worked for the public union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, he said.

After his retirement from the fire department, he was a technician and manager with the Douglas County Conservation District until retiring 18 months ago. Through that job, he learned to respect the diversity of the county’s people and landscapes, Weaver said.

An issue of interest was the county’s code inspection and enforcement, Weaver said.

“We ought to have firm and fair codes that can be enforced,” he said. “Those people out doing code inspections ought to have the authority to do that. If people have an issue with that, they should have access to an appeal procedure that is fair to the landowner and code officials.”

Weaver said he would make an effort to learn the concerns of those in the district.

“Six of the county’s townships, or at least a portion of them, are in the district,” he said. “My hope is to get around to the townships and drop in on the township boards.”

County treasurer

Although she hasn’t filed for re-election yet, Douglas County Treasurer Paula Gilchrist said she would soon sign paperwork to run for another four-year term. The Democrat was first elected to the office in 2004.

Gilchrist said she wanted to continue working on software improvements in the office, which have included updates of tax software and motor vehicle software in conjunction with a state overhaul of its system and planned human resource and payroll software. Her office is in the process of installing a line-management system that should be ready in mid-April, Gilchrist said.

“There’s just a lot of stuff — some done, some getting done and some still to be done,” she said. “It’s just an awkward time to shift gears.”

The 2nd District County Commission seat of incumbent Nancy Thellman and the elected positions of Douglas County clerk, district attorney, register of deeds and treasurer also are on the ballot this election cycle. Thellman, Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew and Douglas County Register of Deeds Kay Pesnell, all Democrats, have said they would run for re-election.

The filing deadline for township, county, state and federal offices is noon June 1.