SNOHOMISH — With approximately half the ballots left to count, two of the city’s hotly contested races show clear leads.
Evan Merritt took 58 percent of the vote in a race against 15-year incumbent Mark Hintz for a position on the Fire District 4 commission. Judith Kuleta had 59 percent of the vote in a race against Elizabeth Larsen for the City Council seat to be vacated by former mayor and current yoga studio owner Karen Guzak.
Asked what he thought of the election results so far, Hintz said: “It is what it is. I spent 15 years serving the public, and it’s time to move on.”
Merritt responded via email, thanking the voters and thanking Hintz for his 15 years of service. Merritt’s statement said he was looking forward to serving the district and appreciated the trust granted to him by the voters. He is ready for “challenges posed by growth, congestion, and the wildland/urban interface.” He said he is hoping for collaboration from commissioners Jim Schmoker and Richard Flath and regrets that Chief Ron Simmons “has been so acrimonious in his criticisms” during the election.Simmons publicly promoted every candidate but Merritt in the primary and Hintz in the general, posting commentaries to his personal Facebook page. Merritt filed a complaint with the state Public Disclosure Commission against Simmons for those posts. Last week the PDC dismissed the complaint, issuing a reminder to Simmons of “the importance of avoiding even the appearance or perception of using
agency facilities to support or oppose candidates for public office by encouraging or limiting support or opposition for candidates.”
In other Snohomish City Council races, Snohomish Public Safety Commission chair Donna Ray will join the council. She takes the spot vacated by Lynn Schilaty. Ray’s challenger died in a car crash over the summer.
Jason Sanders will continue on council. He ran unopposed.
Retired fire chief Kuleta led with 59 percent of the vote in the race against public safety commission member and county official Larsen.
Kuleta said: “I am thrilled with the results and humbled by the overwhelming support from voters.” She said she is eager to serve the city of Snohomish and is looking forward to learning the details or her new role as councilmember. She was tentative, though, with more votes coming in.
Larsen shared that “wait and see” mentality, saying, “We still have quite a few ballots left to count; however, if I don’t earn the opportunity to serve on council this year, I will continue to work hard as a Public Safety Commissioner. I would definitely consider running for a position in the future.”
Larsen also noted shared values with Kuleta: “Judith and I share the same goals for the city, so I see this election as a win-win no matter who gets the most votes.”
Voter turnout in the county was 26 percent, according to the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office. Results will be certified on Nov. 26.
