EPHRATA - Grant County PUD commissioners unanimously appointed Quincy resident Larry Schaapman to fill the open District 3 commissioner seat during a board meeting Tuesday.

Schaapman moves into the position left vacant by former PUD commissioner Randy Allred, and will serve the remainder of Allred's term, which expires in December 2014.

According to the PUD, Allred resigned due to on-going health issues.

Seven candidates originally applied for the vacant District 3 position which covers Mattawa, Quincy, George, Royal City and rural areas west of Moses Lake.

Schaapman was one of three finalists for the seat toward the end of the selection process. Quincy residents Evan Landin and Melva Calloway were also finalists for the commissioner position.

PUD commission President Tom Flint said Schaapman's background in farming will be an asset, since Allred brought similar agricultural experience to the board.

Schaapman, a long-time resident of Quincy, owns a large farm operation with his sons.

He has also served on several civic commissions, as well as on the potato commission, said Flint during the meeting.

"Larry is a progressive farmer from the Quincy area, and he brings a lot of knowledge to the commission that I think will be very beneficial," said Flint. "Randy was a farmer, and I think it was his wishes that somebody with that sort of background would fill his remaining term."

Flint also said that while the decision was a difficult one, due to so many great applicants, the commission selected the right person to best serve PUD customers.

Schaapman will be officially sworn into office on at 1 p.m., Nov. 26 at Grant County PUD headquarters in Ephrata.