One word may characterize the May 17 election.

Yawn.

Except in Jewell.

As the 5 p.m. filing deadline loomed, only Jewell School Board had contested races.

The rest of the major boards and commissions saw incumbents filing for re-election and the occasional newcomer stepping in when a board members retired.

At the Port of Astoria, Bill Hunsinger filed for re-election and appeared unopposed as 5 p.m. neared. Commissioner Jack Bland filed unopposed late Thursday.

At Clatsop Community College, four incumbents filed en masse. They are Dirk Rohne, Paul Gillum, Jim Scheller and Kirsten Ayles.

The Astoria School Board has only incumbents filing in the two available positions. Martin Dursse and Shawn Helligso.

In Jewell, there are two contested races. For Position 3, Ken Culp has filed to run against appointed incumbent Brian Engbretson.

For Postition 3, Sherri Marlow filed against recently appointed incumbent Jim Hedford.

The position 5 slot, held by Jennifer Blanchard, appears uncontested.

In Knappa, incumbent Ed Johnson filed for re-election. Newcomer Candi Vanderburg filed for the other position held previously by Ben Bartlett.

In the Warrenton-Hammond School District, five of seven school board positions are on the ballot this year. Some of the incumbents filed for different positions because of the different length of terms.

Those filing for four-year terms were Debbie Morrow, Linda Dugan and newcomer Isaac Anderson.

Those filing for two-year terms were Mel Jasmin and Kelly Simonsen.

Dennis Warren did not file for re-election

Three incumbents filed for re-election to the Seaside School Board. There were Nancy Hauger, Mark Truax and Steve Phillips.

Five positions on the Sunset Empire Transportation District board are on the ballot. Lylla Gaebel, Victor Kee, Rae Goforth and Marcia Fenske filed for re-election.

Carol Gearin is running for Position 6, the seat held by Suzie Conner, who is not seeking re-election.

If no one filed for any positions, the ballot will read “no candidate filed,” according to County Clerk Catherine Garber. But a line directly below these statements will allow voters to write in a candidate of their choice. The elections office will tally up all the write-ins. If the person with the most write-in votes meets the qualifications for the position, he or she will be sent an acceptance of office form.

If they accept the position, they’re considered elected. If they don’t, the position remains vacant and a special district may appoint someone to fill the position.

Also on the ballot, in addition to the boards, will be property tax levy in Seaside to pay for seven new police cars.

Check out The Daily Astorian website at www.dailyastorian.com for any updates on late filings.