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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 Helen Price Johnson, incumbent Phil Bakke taking the lead in Island County Commission race By Bill Sheets Herald Writer OAK HARBOR -- Democrat Helen Price Johnson led a field of four candidates for the only contested seat on the Island County Commission. Republican incumbent Phil Bakke, appointed to the position in District 1 less than a year ago, was narrowly leading independent Curt Gordon for the right to face Johnson in the general election in November. Republican Reece Rose was bringing up the rear. Johnson had 3,191 votes followed by Bakke with 1,413, Gordon with 1,333 and Rose with 1,036 in early returns, with 35.7 percent of the votes counted. Johnson, 49, of Clinton, said she wants the commissioner job because she is concerned about growth in the county and she wants to protect small businesses and farms. She owns a construction company with her husband and is a former South Whidbey School Board member. Bakke, 37, of Greenbank, is the county's former planning director. He was appointed to the county's board of commissioners 11 months ago. He wants to retain his job to complete work he has started, such as in encouraging more affordable housing in Island County, he said. Gordon, 51, of Clinton, owns an asphalt company and has served on county parks and conservation boards.

1. Boeing 787 Dreamliner lifts its nose at Paine Field; flight set for Tuesday 2. Arlington assault leaves man critically injured 3. Recession hard on Snohomish County eateries 4. Up to 3 inches of snow expected in some parts of Western Washington 5. Washington could see new taxes in a host of areas 6. I'll see you in Hell's Kitchen 7. Biz week 8. Veteran, teacher, painter — and now, Mukilteo man is an author 9. Gov. Gregoire knows her budget is doomed 10. See the holiday light spectacle at Warm Beach 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

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