Preliminary election results are in for the four Lynnwood City Council positions appearing on Tuesday’s general election ballot.

Former City Councilmember Jim Smith was leading another ex-councilmember, Van AuBuchon, for the open Position 4 seat, according results from the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office released at 8 p.m. You can see all county election results at this link.

Smith, a local business owner who ran his campaign pledging to address citizens’ concerns about taxes and homelessness, had 1,921 votes or 62% after the first day of results while AuBuchon, an IT consultant who campaigned on responsible budgeting and protecting single-family neighborhoods, had 1,155 votes or 37%.

“I am overwhelmed by the wide support that we have received during this election,” Smith said. “Thank you to all the voters that believes in our campaign and ideals.”

Position 4 was left open when the incumbent, Shirley Sutton, chose instead to file for the position 7 seat held by Shannon Sessions. In the Position 7 race, Sessions, a small business owner and executive director of Support 7, was leading Sutton, who has a background in corporate management, in early returns. Sessions had 1,932 votes or 63%, while Sutton received 1,134 votes or 37%.

“Early numbers look great,” Sessions said. “I’m so grateful for the voters’ positive feedback and support for another term.”

In the race for position 5, left vacant when Ben Goodwin announced he would not be seeking re-election, candidate Julieta Altamirano-Crosby — owner of an educational research firm — was leading podiatrist David Schirle in early returns. Altamirano-Crosby — who said she would prioritize safe neighborhoods and creating citywide partnerships if elected, had 1,728 votes Tuesday — or 56%,  Schirle, who campaigned on a platform of reining in city spending, collected 1,368 votes or 44% in first-day returns.

“We are so happy that the voters of Lynnwood heard our message and responded in such a positive manner,” Altamirano-Crosby said in a statement. “I pledge to continue the work that I began nearly 20 years ago — my work of providing a voice across all communities of Lynnwood, so that more families can feel included in this city that wants all to feel welcome.”

Finally in the contest for Lynnwood City Council position 6, incumbent George Hurst — a real estate broker who also chairs the council’s finance committee– was on top of challenger Nick Coelho, earning 1,875 votes (61%) in early returns compared to 1,181 votes (38%) for Coelho. Hurst, who is running for his second council term, has been pushing hard to increase housing affordability across the city and to control taxes and spending. Coelho, a member of the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission and owner of Around the Table Boardgame Pub, has pledged to address both the opportunities and challenges associated with Lynnwood’s future growth.

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.

While there were several countywide races on the ballot, one in particular applied toEdmonds voters: Snohomish County Council Position 3 incumbent Stephanie Wright — who represents Edmonds and Lynnwood — was leading challenger Willie Russell, receiving 79% of the vote 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 Lynnwood Council Position 4

Jim Smith 1921 62.01%

Van AuBuchon 1155 37.28%

Write-in 22 0.71%

Total 3098 100.00%

——

City of Lynnwood Council Position 5 

J. Altamirano-Crosby 1728 55.58%

David Schirle 1368 44.00%

Write-in 13 0.42%

Total 3109 100.00%

——

City of Lynnwood Council Position 6 

Nick Coelho 1181 38.46%

George Hurst 1875 61.06%

Write-in 15 0.49%

Total 3071 100.00%

——

City of Lynnwood Council Position 7 

Shannon Sessions 1932 62.73%

Shirley Sutton 1134 36.82%

Write-in 14 0.45%

Total 3080 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%

——

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%

---

Port of Edmonds Commissioner District 2 

David Preston 2722 98.69%

Write-in 36 1.31%

Total 2758 100.00%

——

Port of Edmonds Commissioner-at-Large Position 4 

James W. Orvis 2703 98.65%

Write-in 37 1.35%

Total 2740 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%

——

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 with reporting and photos from Cody Sexton