PORT TOWNSEND — Port Townsend Food Co-op members have elected four to its board of directors following a process that was free of controversy and campaigning.
“It was all amicable; there were no tensions,” said co-op board member Henry Werch, who managed the election.
“We had a candidates meeting at the beginning and decided what kind of campaign we wanted to have — no one spend any money — and we got a good result.”
Eight candidates filed for four positions, though one, Jim Davis, withdrew.
Voters were allowed to cast ballots for four names, with the top four vote-getters elected to the board.
After the first count, the results showed Patricia Smith with 358 votes; Monica leRoux, 345 votes; David Wayne Johnson, 336 votes; and Lisa Barclay, 333 votes.
June 4 start
All were elected to the board and will begin serving June 4.
Not elected were Bob Podrat, 277 votes; William Vogt, 222 votes; and Joyce Hueseman, 195 votes.
Werch said other ballots may arrive by mail but that he did not expect the election results to change because the fourth- and fifth-place candidates are separated by a wide margin.
All terms are for three years, though the candidate with the fewest votes will serve a one-year term.
Since three votes currently separate the third- and fourth-place candidates, that designation is undecided, Werch said.
10 percent turnout
Werch said the election drew about 500 votes out of an active membership of around 5,000.
The board is charged with implementing the co-op’s strategic plan, which has five elements: to develop market position, encourage food system development, strengthen internal capacity, support environmental stability and provide education, outreach and advocacy programs.
For more information, visit www.foodcoop.coop or phone 360-385-2883.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
