PORT TOWNSEND — Two Port Townsend City Council races had wide margins Tuesday night.
Whatever happens, two of the seven council members will be under 40 when the council convenes in 2016.
For Position 6, Boiler Room executive director Amy Smith, 33, garnered 2,015 votes, or 71.53 percent, well ahead of former downtown business owner Paul Rice, 33, who won 788 votes, or 27.97 percent.
In the Position 7 race, attorney David Faber, 32, was ahead with 1,835 votes, or 71.48 percent, over Port of Port Townsend maintenance worker Travis Keena, 39, who had 717 votes, or 27.93 percent.
“We will bring a different mindset and a different attitude to the council as well a voice for a community that heretofore has not been represented,” Faber said.
Smith said she hadn’t expected to lead by such a wide margin.
“I am incredibly honored that so many people are willing to put their faith in me,” Smith said.
“Paul was an absolutely incredible candidate and I was thrilled that my opponent was someone I respected.”
Unopposed for election were Position 3’s Deborah Stinson, 59, earning 2028 votes, or 98.4 percent, and Position 4’s Robert Gray, 67, who got 1,932 votes, or 97.87 percent, of all the votes cast.
Council members serve for four years.
Rice was not discouraged by the lopsided vote margin, saying he will run again in 2017 when three council seats will be open.
“It was fun running for office. I learned a lot and made a lot of good friends,” Rice said.
“Amy’s lived here for 15 years and her networks are strong and she has strong backing in the town.”
Both leading candidates were supported by outgoing Deputy Mayor Kris Nelson, whose Sirens restaurant hosted a joint victory party following Tuesday night’s initial tallies.
The Jefferson County Auditor’s Office counted 10,148 ballots on Tuesday night for a voter turnout of 44.17 percent, said Betty Johnson, elections coordinator.
The next count will be at about noon Friday, she said.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
