PORT TOWNSEND — David Stanko will be the new Jefferson County sheriff, and Rose Ann Carroll will take over as county auditor.
The two close races were resolved after a third ballot count was conducted Thursday afternoon.
Jefferson County Auditor Donna Eldridge called both races, saying there are not enough outstanding ballots to change outcomes in the races.
Stanko earned 7,480 votes, or 50.54 percent, over Wendy Davis’ 7,198 votes, or 48.63 percent.
Carroll earned 6,501 votes, or 50.06 percent, over Judy Maves-Klatt’s 6,347 votes, or 48.87 percent, a margin of 154 votes.
After receiving 85 new ballots Thursday, the Auditor’s Office reported 16,060 ballots returned from 22,867 ballots issued for a voter turnout of 70.2 percent.
“This is cause for celebration, but is also rather sobering,” Stanko said of his victory.
“Running this department will require all of my experience and wisdom, and I will need help from everyone around me,” Stanko said.
Said Carroll: “The people have spoken and have elected me as their next auditor.
“I am going to make the transition as smooth as possible, with no disruption of any services.”
Eldridge said all votes on hand had been counted and predicted that as many as 50 valid votes could arrive today, but these would not be enough to change the outcome.
If fewer than 25 valid ballots arrive, there will be no more vote counts until the election is certified Nov. 25.
The Auditor’s Office also has 52 challenged ballots on hand. Those will be counted if voters come in and clarify their choices, Eldridge said.
Davis thanked her supporters in an emailed statement.
“We knew it would be tough for many voters to accept a woman as their next sheriff,” she said.
“I wish my opponent the best of luck in his new job and look forward to him implementing many of the changes that are needed here in Jefferson County,” she added.
“I will continue to advocate for mental health crisis intervention training for all law enforcement in Jefferson County and will be involved in community efforts to support this critical need.”
Stanko thanked Davis “for running a spirited campaign based on the issues.”
“The democratic process works well,” Stanko said.
“Our elections are won by genuine people who work hard, and I’m grateful for all the support I received during the campaign,”
Stanko will replace Tony Hernandez, who resigned to serve as police chief in Milton near Tacoma.
Chief Deputy Joe Nole is serving as interim sheriff.
Stanko will be sworn in after the election is certified, along with treasurer-elect Stacie Hoskins and Assessor Jeff Chapman, who was appointed to the office when Jack Westerman resigned in December.
The remaining candidates will be sworn in Jan. 2.
Carroll was endorsed by Eldridge, who said, “Rose Ann’s victory shows that hard work pays off.”
Maves-Klatt did not return a call for comment Thursday afternoon.
Davis, 47, of Port Ludlow is currently human resources manager for Port Ludlow Associates.
She served in the Bremerton Police Department as a sergeant and also in the Poulsbo Police Department, first as deputy chief and then as a sergeant.
Stanko, 66, retired in 2004 from the Fullerton (Calif.) Police Department.
He lives in Cape George and is an active volunteer who was named 2011 Citizen of the Year by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.
Both are Democrats, although Stanko has said he plans to change his affiliation to independent.
Carroll, 64, of Port Townsend is chief accountant in the Auditor’s Office and had the endorsement of Donna Eldridge, who is retiring after five terms.
Maves-Klatt, 52, an appraiser and former attorney, is a resident of Port Townsend.
Both are Democrats.
The updated results from Thursday’s count in previously decided races are:
■ County commission — Kathleen Kler, 8,201, or 57.04 percent; Daniel S. Toepper, 6,138, or 42.69 percent.
■ Prosecuting attorney — Michael Haas, 7,968, or 61.87 percent; Scott Rosekrans, 4,797, or 37.25 percent.
■ District Court judge — Jill Landes, 7,319, or 54.43 percent; Cheryl Potebnya, 6,064, or 45.1 percent.
■ Jefferson County Public Utility District — Kenneth Collins, 7,130, or 55.52 percent; Tony De Leo, 5,636, or 43.88 percent.
■ Quilcene Fire Department property tax levy increase — Approve, 613, or 66.85 percent; reject, 304, or 33.15 percent.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
