Kitsap County is one step closer to naming a new director for its Department of Community Development, with the county commissioners narrowing the choice down to two candidates.

South Kitsap County Commissioner Jan Angel said the finalists were interim DCD director Cindy Baker and former Clallum County DCD director Bob Martin.

Angel said North Carolinians Andrea Surratt and Keith Stahely were no longer under consideration.

The four candidates met the commissioners and the public during an extended interview session in late November.

Angel said the board’s choice would probably be announced at a meeting on Jan. 3, along with its choice for information services director.

Final action on both appointments will be taken at the regular Jan. 10 meeting.

The department has existed without a permanent head since April, when Kamuron Gurol resigned after a little more than a year on the job. Since then, Baker has occupied the DCD driver’s seat.

Baker indicated almost immediately after Gurol’s resignation she was interested in the directorship, but has always favored completing the selection process in order to prove her abilities.

“It will be better for everyone when a decision is made,” Baker said. “It will be good for morale and good for business.”

“It’s time to jump start that department,” Angel said. “There has been a lot of turnover in its leadership. Sometimes when there isn’t strong leadership people just do their own thing.”

Angel lauded the DCD staff and said they would benefit from strong leadership, something that Baker as interim director could not provide.

Baker said she was not sure what she would do if she did not get the director’s position.

She was hired by Gurol in December 2003 as assistant director, in charge of the permit process.

DCD has six divisions with 57 staff members.