One Arlington council race too close to call

ARLINGTON — While it appears that six-year City Councilman Graham Smith will retain his seat for another two years, the race for Scott Solla’s seat on the council was too close to call after early returns Tuesday.

After the first batch of ballots were counted, Solla had a one-vote lead over Barbara Tolbert, executive director of the Arlington Fly-In. After another batch of ballots was counted, his lead had increased to two votes.

“My nerves are frayed,” Solla said after viewing early election results online. “If I was a drinking man, I’d certainly be partaking. … I’m going to go to bed. I can’t do this. My stomach’s already in knots and my poor wife, she’s just a nervous wreck.”

Tolbert, a political newcomer, said she didn’t know what to expect running against an incumbent. She said she’ll anxiously watch for updates over the next few days as more ballots are counted.

“I’m in the race,” said Tolbert, 49, from her election party. “It’s like a horse race. It’s neck and neck.”

Solla, a floral and produce merchandising specialist for Northwest Grocers, was appointed to Position 3 a year and a half ago to replace Councilman Dan Anderson, who moved out of the area. This was the first election for both Solla and Tolbert.

Smith was cautiously optimistic that his lead over civic leader Virginia Hatch would stick. Smith, vice president of A.G. Edwards &Sons Inc. in Everett, attributed his lead to his experience on the council.

“I haven’t made anybody mad at me,” said Smith, 62.

Councilwoman Signe “Sally” Lien easily reclaimed her seat on the council. Her opponent, Blair Anderson, moved to Marysville earlier this year and asked his supporters to vote for Lien.

Reporter Kaitlin Manry: 425-339-3292 or kmanry@heraldnet.com