MUKILTEO — Mayor Joe Marine appeared to be heading for a second term after early returns Tuesday, where he led challenger Pat Smith 64 percent to 36 percent.
In the City Council race, two incumbents held leads over their challengers.
Smith, a computer software consultant running his first campaign for public office, outraised Marine in campaign funds by 3 to 1. Records show Smith raised $34,145 to Marine’s $11,240.
In the end, Marine got the votes.
“I was surprised by the numbers because I have been out on the doorstep so much for so many months,” Smith said. “But the numbers are representative of what the people truly want. Win, lose or draw, this was always about doing what was right for the citizens of Mukilteo.”
Snohomish County elections officials said they anticipate ballot counting will continue through Friday.
Both men disagreed over unresolved city issues, such as the future of a proposed annexation that could add 13,000 people to the city.
That annexation is stuck on hold because of a legal challenge by Snohomish County Fire District 1, which stands to lose some of its territory if the annexation goes through.
Both men oppose commercial passenger service at Paine Field but Smith said he would have chosen negotiation over litigation.
Marine, 47, served on the council from 1998 to 2001. He also served a term in the state Legislature in 2001 after being appointed.
“I’ve worked for the city the last four years and we’ve accomplished a lot,” Marine said. I think I would have been surprised if they wanted to change direction because I think everyone was pretty happy.”
In the council race, Richard Emery, who was appointed to the council late last year, led Boeing security manager Ed Kunigonis, 70 percent to 30 percent, while Kevin Stoltz had a 61 percent to 39 percent lead over first-time candidate Patty Cooper. Council President Randy Lord was unopposed.
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