Referendum 71 passes

Results are in for the 2009 General Election as 39.66 percent of registered voters in Snohomish County and 58.71 percent of registered voters in Island County cast their ballots.

Across the state, Referendum 71, known as the “everything but marriage” law, gained approval while voters denied

Initiative 1033 concerning state, county and city revenue.

R-71 asked voters to support or deny the state law passed earlier this year to give same-sex and senior domestic partners the same benefits as registered married couples.

In Snohomish County, R-71 was approved by a margin of 51.29 percent to 48.71 percent, mirroring state approval rates of 52.56 percent. Island County voted 53.51 percent in favor of the referendum with 46.49 percent against.

For I-1033, 55.24 percent of voters in Snohomish County were against the initiative intended to limit government spending by cutting the amount of tax dollars collected each year, with 44.76 percent voting yes. Island County voters also denied I-1033 by a margin 53.35 percent to 46.65 percent. Statewide results against the measure came in at 57.39 percent.

Locally, Councilman Timothy Loney contested incumbent Dianne White for

city of Stanwood Mayor. Mayor White retained the position for a second term, garnering 60.55 percent of the vote.

“It was not a bitter campaign,” White said. “We’re basically on the same page, he just wanted to see if I could run faster.”

White said she was impressed with the valuable information Loney gleaned from the city, which she believes will be valuable in council meetings.

White wants to look into the possibility of bringing a technical school to the area and pursue the creation of a parks district. She’s excited about the future of Stanwood.

“We have the energy,” White said, “now we need to focus it. It’s time to get creative.”

Loney, with 39.10 percent, said he’s happy, too.

“I put competition into the race, which requires contestants to hone their platform,” he said. “Either candidate would have made a good mayor. I appreciate what Mayor White has done and I look forward to working with her for four more years.”

Three positions on Stanwood City Council were open. Position 1, held by Councilman Conrad Ryder, ran uncontested, as did Position 7, held by Councilman Leonard Kelley. Both men will serve another term.

Shelley Klasse stepped down after serving two terms, vacating Position 2. Timothy Pearce and J.J. Steik vied for the open position, which Pearce won with 70.66 percent of the vote. Pearce said he would like to focus on economy, and is excited to work with the good people already on council.

“I want to work on creating long-lasting solutions to economical shortcomings in order to become self-sustaining as a community,” he said.

Steik believes he could have brought a fresh outlook to the council, but his biggest disappointment is low voter turnout across Snohomish County.

“I did zero campaigning,” said Steik, who gathered 28.34 percent, “so I’m not disappointed in that respect.”

But, he said, people need to remember that every vote counts.

“Stay involved,” he urged.

Regarding Pearce’s victory, Steik said, “my hat’s off to Tim for the effort he put forth. I think he’ll do a great job.”

Commissioner, Fire District No. 1, Position 5 was a contest between two-term incumbent Gary Bradley and challenger Don Timmerman. Timmerman displaced Bradley with 60.55 percent of the vote, as opposed to Bradley’s 39.45 percent.

Timmerman said he’d like to thank everyone for their support and that he’ll do his best to represent residents.

“I look forward to getting on the board and participating,” he said.

Timmerman is excited about getting a new station up and running, building a long-term plan for strengthening fire protection and bolstering communication with the community.

For the Snohomish County Council District, Position 1, incumbent John Koster (R) maintained his seat for a third and final term. Koster gained 57.78 percent of the votes over Seven Lakes-area resident Ellen Hiatt Watson (D). Watson received 41.84 percent of the votes.

In her first campaign for elected office, Watson feels she found a niche with constituents in Snohomish County. She is looking forward to running again next term.

“I’ll have my eyes wide open for next election,” said Watson. “It should be a lot easier next time.”

Five candidates vied for Snohomish County Superior Judge, Position 2. Joe Wilson won the race with 39.94 percent of the vote. His closest competitor, Rico Tessandore received 30.27 percent of the vote. David Hulbert came in at 15.98 percent while Scott Petterson received 8.07 and Scott Lord, 5.17.

Two Stanwood-Camano School Board positions went uncontested. Incumbents Patrick Patterson and Roger Myers will continue for another term.

Sno-Isle Libraries Proposition 1 levy lid lift request squeaked by in both Snohomish and Island counties, gathering 52.62 and 52.14 percent approval, respectively. Mary Kelly, Sno-Isle director of community relations, said, “we’re definitely moving in the right direction. This is encouraging.”