EPHRATA - Grant County PUD commissioners are soliciting applications from people interested in filling the position that will be left vacant by the resignation of Commissioner Randy Allred.

Allred, of Royal City, announced his intention to retire at a recent commission meeting, citing ongoing health concerns. His retirement will be effective Nov. 1.

Allred has lived in Royal City for nearly 50 years and serves as the District No. 3 commissioner. People interested in applying for the seat must be a registered voter in that district, which includes Mattawa, Quincy, George, Royal City and unincorporated areas west of Moses Lake.

The commission has five seats, three representing director districts.

People interested in the position must submit a letter of application and a resume to the commissioners at PO Box 878, Ephrata, WA 98823. Application packets must include a statement of qualifications, education and experiences pertinent to the job, and a letter detailing why the applicant wants to be on the commission.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Sept. 14. The successful applicant will serve on the board through Nov. 2014.

Allred said he's fighting cancer, a kind of cancer that's difficult to treat, and is not pursuing further treatment. He said he's doing okay with the disease right now, although experiencing some nausea and pain. He plans to fulfill his commissioner commitments as long as he can. "I'm going to try," he said. He plans to attend some meetings by teleconference, he said.

Allred, first elected to the commission in 2003, said it's been a good experience. "I've learned a lot. There are some positives and some negatives." He's gotten a lot out of the job, he said.

"We've done a lot of good," he said, but in his opinion there is still more to do.

In a press release issued after Allred's announcement, commission president Tom Flint praised Allred for his nine years of service.

"Randy's dedication to public power has had a direct benefit to the customers of our county for nearly 10 years. During that time I have had the pleasure of working with him and consider him a genuine public servant and friend," Flint wrote.