Coos County Commissioner Kevin Stufflebean wants to continue making the positive changes he feels he has initiated since being elected three years ago, which is why he is running for re-election.

Stufflebean boasts one of his most influential accomplishments, and perhaps most controversial, has been his work on the county budget. Despite declining timber payments, he and the other commissioners have been able to tailor the county's budget to operate within the financial constraints. In doing so they ignited controversy, by laying off 22 road workers.

"It is always easy to look at the taxpayers and tell them we don't have the money, but we are elected to make decision and provide to the taxpayers what they pay for," Stufflebean wrote in an e-mail, after declining an interview with The World.

"We have looked at more efficient ways to provide services to the taxpayers with less revenue and still maintain services."

If re-elected Stufflebean said he would continue to focus on maintaining a sustainable budget, as well as exploring ways to increase timber harvests. He also plans to further upgrade county roads and look for new grant opportunities.

"These are tough economic times and I have not passed the buck to anyone and have stood up to do what is right for the majority and not just special interests," he wrote.

Before the Coos Bay native became commissioner, he worked for the Oregon Department of Human Services. He also served on the Coos Bay City Council from 1996 until 2006, until being elected to the county commission.

Running against the commissioner is Sheriff Andy Jackson and Daniel Baumann of Coos Bay. Stephen Pickering of Coos Bay, Don Van Dyke of North Bend and Hauser's Larry Van Elsberg, who led a recall campaign against Stufflebean earlier this year, are seeking Commissioner Nikki Whitty's seat. She said she intends to run, but has not yet filed.