In the race for an open seat on the Mountlake Terrace City Council, Erin Murray was leading Crystal Gamon in the first round of general election returns released at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Both women are seeking the Positions 7 seat currently held by Seaun Richards, who is not seeking re-election. Both also were among 12 candidates who applied for appointment to the council seat left vacant by the death of long-time mayor and Councilmember Jerry Smith. The council selected Steve Woodard to fill that position 2 seat; he is running unopposed for re-election.
Murray is a human resources manager for the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, is also an active community volunteer, and has lived in MLT since 2008.
A property manager at Wright Runstad & Company, Gamon is a long-time community volunteer who has lived in Mountlake Terrace for six years with her wife and three daughters.
In addition to Woodard, two other Mountlake Terrace City Councilmembers are running opposed: Position 5, held by incumbent Bryan Wahl and Position 6, by incumbent Laura Sonmore.
“We’re incredibly excited about the results and looking forward to seeing the rest of the ballots counted,” said Murray, who had 1,214 votes, or 70%, of the first day’s vote count.
“We will keep an eye on results throughout the week as all ballots are counted and maintain a positive outlook through the process,” said Gamon. “Regardless the outcome I am proud. Proud of myself, proud of my team, and proud of my family. It had been a long journey and we have given it our all.”
In the race for three positions on the Edmonds School Board of Directors, Position 1 incumbent Carin Chase had a large lead over challenger Alvin Rutledge, earning 13,059 votes (82%) to 2,708 votes (17%) for Rutledge.
Position 3 incumbent Gary Noble was the top vote getter with 63% (10,212 votes), over district parent and gun violence prevention advocate Rory Graves, who garnered 37% (5,924 votes) in early returns.
In position 5 — an open school board seat now held by Diana White, who is running for Edmonds City Council —former Edmonds School District Administrator Nancy Katims was leading Snohomish PUD manager and district parent Lisa Hunnewell, receiving 10,955 votes (68%) to 4,993 votes (31%) for Hunnewell.
“I am truly humbled by the confidence voters are placing in me,” Katims said in a statement. “Our schools are grappling with major challenges — budget shortfalls, stagnant test scores, persistent inequality– and the next school board will play a pivotal role in improving the lives of students and families. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work every day to ensure all our kids can reach their full potential.”
Hunnewell thanked all who supported her, adding in a statement she had no regrets about running. “Since May, I have met so many people who care deeply about our school district and the students it serves. I am grateful for the opportunity to listen and share my ideas with so many! It has truly been a rewarding experience.”
In the race for South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue RFA Board, Chris Teofilak led Ted Hikel for Commissioner District 1, Greg Urban was ahead of Nicholas Guillickson for District 2, Mark Laurence was leading Andrew C. Engelhard for District 3, incumbent David Chan was ahead of challenger Bret Chiafolo for District 4, and incumbent Jim Kenny was leading challenger Brandy Donaghy for District 5.
Also running unopposed was one candidate for Hospital District 2 — Jim Distelhorst for position 5. In Hospital District 2 position 3, incumbent Bob Knowles was ahead of challenger Susan Schoeld in early returns.
Vote totals will continue to be released daily as more mail-in ballots are counted. The general election will be certified by the county on Nov. 26.
General election results reported as of Nov 5, 2019
City of Mountlake Terrace Council Position 2
Steven P. Woodard 1453 97.32%
Write-in 40 2.68%
Total 1493 100.00%
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City of Mountlake Terrace Council Position 5
Bryan Wahl 1443 97.76%
Write-in 33 2.24%
Total 1476 100.00%
——
City of Mountlake Terrace Council Position 6
Laura Sonmore 1439 97.36%
Write-in 39 2.64%
Total 1478 100.00%
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City of Mountlake Terrace Council Position 7
Erin Murray 1214 69.65%
Crystal Gamon 516 29.60%
Write-in 13 0.75%
Total 1743 100.00%
Edmonds School District No. 15 Director District 3
Gary Noble 10212 63.08%
Rory Graves 5924 36.60%
Write-in 52 0.32%
Total 16188 100.00%
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Edmonds School District No. 15 Director District 5
Nancy Katims 10955 68.33%
Lisa Hunnewell 4993 31.14%
Write-in 85 0.53%
Total 16033 100.00%
Hospital District 2 Commissioner Position 3
Susan Schoeld 7051 42.39%
Bob Knowles 9524 57.25%
Write-in 60 0.36%
Total 16635 100.00%
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Hospital District 2 Commissioner Position 5
Jim Distelhorst 13950 98.91%
Write-in 154 1.09%
Total 14104 100.00%
South County RFA Commissioner District 1
Chris Teofilak 7805 57.47%
Ted Hikel 5707 42.03%
Write-in 68 0.50%
Total 13580 100.00%
——
South County RFA Commissioner District 2
Greg Urban 6795 50.64%
Nicholas Gullickson 6557 48.87%
Write-in 65 0.48%
Total 13417 100.00%
——
South County RFA Commissioner District 3
Mark Laurence 8056 60.79%
Andrew C. Engelhard 5117 38.61%
Write-in 80 0.60%
Total 13253 100.00%
——
South County RFA Commissioner District 4
Bret Chiafalo 5898 43.58%
David F. Chan 7578 55.99%
Write-in 59 0.44%
Total 13535 100.00%
——
South County RFA Commissioner District 5
Brandy Donaghy 3955 29.11%
Jim Kenny 9568 70.42%
Write-in 64 0.47%
Total 13587 100.00%
— By Teresa Wippel
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