The new 10-person salary commission for Whatcom County elected officials is set.

The four members of the Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials who were appointed by Executive Jack Louws were confirmed Tuesday, Sept. 25, by the County Council. The four represent business, professional personnel management, the legal profession and organized labor: Wendy Eickmeyer, Kara Turner, Robert Carmichael and Allan Jensen.

The other six members were drawn by lot from registered voters in the county. Two are from each of the three council districts: Thom Fischer and Patricia Rose of District 1, Cary Gustafson and George Plucinski of District 2, and Paul Halladin and Kathy Richardson of District 3.

Commissioners' two-year terms start Jan. 1, 2013. By May 1 of next year, the commission must set the 2014-15 salaries for the council, executive, assessor, auditor, prosecuting attorney, sheriff and treasurer. The commission's decisions can only be overturned by voters in a referendum.

Voters approved the commission in the November 2011 election with 61 percent in favor. The council had been setting salaries for itself and other elected officials.

Reach RALPH SCHWARTZ at ralph.schwartz@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2266.