By David Pan/Lynnwood Today editor

An incumbent who was appointed to office, a former City Councilmember and a newcomer to politics were all ahead in their respective Lynnwood City Council races after the initial results were released Tuesday night.

M. Christopher Boyer was leading in the race for Council Position No. 1 over Michael Moore. Boyer, selected to the position in December 2012, received 54.63 percent of the vote (1,728 votes) to Moore’s 44.64 percent (1,412 votes).

“The initial returns certainly look very good for me,” Boyer said. “I’m very grateful to the people of Lynnwood.”

Boyer cited his business experience and the work he’s done so far on the council as reasons for his edge in the vote.

“I also hope that people responded to my desire to serve the folks in Lynnwood who have been left out, the homeless and the other people who need our help,” Boyer said. “Finding better ways to help the homeless is a huge priority for me.”

In the race for Council Position No. 3, former Councilmember Ruth Ross was leading with 53.77 percent of the vote (1,696 votes) over Douglas Lovitt, who had 44.07 percent (1,390 votes).

Ross served two terms on the City Council from 2002-2010.

“I’m excited and looking forward to serving Lynnwood again,” Ross said. “I think people understand the importance of experience on the council.”

Ross praised Lovitt.

“It was a positive campaign,” Ross said. “There wasn’t any mudslinging from either of us. I hope he runs again. I like to encourage people to run.”

Political newcomer Ian Cotton was ahead in the race for Council Position No. 2. Cotton, a member of the Planning Commission, had 52.12 percent of the vote (1,682 votes) over former Councilmember Jim Smith, who had 47.38 percent (1,529 votes).

“It looks like the voters of Lynnwood were willing to take a chance on me as a candidate,” Cotton said. “I want to make good on that. I want to drive city politics in the right direction for Lynnwood.”

A top priority of Cotton’s is making sure the city is serving its people.

“I want to prioritize government services and align them with what the voters ask for,” Cotton said. “I really want the Lynnwood government to be responsive to what the people want.

“I’m looking forward to working with the new Councilmembers, the existing Councilmembers and the new Mayor. I’m excited to work with this new team.”

Boyer appreciated that people were willing to put themselves out there for public office.

“I think it’s so critical for citizens to stand up and try to help our community even when we disagree on specifics,” Boyer said. “I’m so proud of all those folks for taking a chance.”