Cole, Swank likely to square off in November

Kimberly Cole, whose day job is as legislative aide to Snohomish County Councilman Mike Cooper, appeared headed for a November showdown against Dan Swank.

In early returns Tuesday, Cole garnered 38.8 percent of votes cast to Swank’s 27.7 percent.

Cole, 30, also is an elected commissioner at Stevens Hospital. She said her government positions give her an edge, especially with the annexation issue.

Her opponents were in their first race for public office.

Swank, 42, is co-founder of Telco-Pacific, a wireless telecommunications company. He says the city needs to be smarter with its money.

Following closely behind was Donald Chan, 22, with 24.2 percent.

Michael Megill, 48, a real estate professional who’s been on the parks board and was a strong advocate of a reconstructed recreation center, received 8.8 percent.

Smith ahead in Position 2 race

Incumbent councilman Mark Smith had a big lead in early returns for a three-way race Tuesday and appeared headed into the November 3 general election against Craig Parsons, who got into the race after fighting a city plan to add bike lanes on his street by eliminating parking.

Smith, 47, received 52.4 percent of the vote to Parson’s 29.9 percent. He is executive director of the Japan-America Society of Washington. Douglas Ivar Kerley, a 60-year-old retiree, was next with 16.3 percent.

Close race for Position 3

In the closest council race, business owner and newcomer Kerri Lonergan, 45, led incumbent Ruth Ross, garnering 35.8 percent of votes cast to Ross’ 33.7. Bob Young was within striking distance, with 28.8 percent of the vote.

Lonergan is co-owner of the Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurants chain and said she’s running to restore fiscal responsibility. She also serves on the boards of the Washington State Health Insurance Board and the Ballard Chamber of Commerce.

Council president Ross, 49, has served for eight years and says her top priority is to make sure annexation happens the right way.