McKinnon, Gough race for mayor

Lynnwood Mayor Mike McKinnon was on his way to winning the right to run for a second term in November against City Councilman Don Gough this week.

The Snohomish County Auditor’s office expected to declare the final primary election results by Thursday, Sept. 29.

Gough led the field with 1,530 votes by Monday’s count. McKinnon, who on Friday widened what had been a narrow lead over Councilman Jim Smith for the second spot, remained ahead of Smith by 71 votes, 1,464 to 1,393. First-time candidate Bill Vance fell behind with 486 votes.

“I am very appreciative of the support that we have received,” Gough said. “It is humbling to say the least.”

McKinnon said he is looking forward to a spirited contest.

“I look forward to a running a positive campaign,” McKinnon said. “I am prepared to get my message out to the citizens and let them elect me their mayor again.”

Residents might recall that Gough and McKinnon faced off in the 2001 General election and McKinnon won by 698 votes. Gough does not think of this year’s race as a rerun.

“Every election is different. And this is one totally different from the last time in terms,” he said. “We have a whole lot of ideas. After you go through an election, you learn a lot of from the people you talk to.”

Smith, an 18-year council veteran, had resigned himself to the apparent outcome.

“I also want to thank the ones who supported and worked so hard and believed in our campaign,” Smith said.

Although Smith and Vance are out of the race, they could influence the outcome. They could persuade their supporters to go one way or the other.

“I am going to vote for Don Gough because we need a change in the Mayor’s office,” Vance said.

Smith said he hasn’t decided who to support. His main concern is what is best for Lynnwood, Smith said, and he hopes the contest will be a clean race.

“This was a 30-30-30 split. It was very close,” Smith said. “I hope the two who are going on realize that and are humbled by that.”