Former television news anchor Susan Hutchinson finished a strong first in the Aug. 18 primary election for King County Executive, garnering 33 percent of votes counted as of Monday, Aug. 24.
School construction specialist Scott Hodgins resoundingly won the primary election for Snoqualmie Valley’s school board District 1 seat with over 47 percent of votes tallied.
Paul Houldridge edged Geoff Doy by 89 votes to take second place, securing a spot on the ballot in November’s general election.
Hutchinson was trailed by County Council member Dow Constantine who took nearly 27 percent of votes counted. They will also be on November’s ballot.
The county executive race this year is up for grabs after the previous executive, Ron Sims, was tapped for the number two position in the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development last spring. His successor, Kurt Triplett, had promised the King County Council he would not run for the office in this election.
Snoqualmie’s former interim public works director, Alan Lobdell drew around 2.4 percent of the vote, down from the 12 percent he attracted in the 2000 primary election for county executive. He ran a low-profile, word-of-mouth campaign with a small-government platform.
While the executive position is officially non-partisan, voters will have two very clearly partisan choices in November. Hutchinson is conservative, while Constantine has been among the council’s most liberal members.
School board
All three candidates for District 1 seat ran refrom campaigns. Hodgins stressed his experience with school construction and as a school advocate. He said the board needs to provide more leadership.
Houldridge’s top issue was more transparency and debate on the school board.
Dealing with the district’s ongoing budget crisis will be a critical issue for the candidates in the election.
Education activist Doy had been the most vocal about the need for more state money for public schools.
He said he plans to stay active in the district.
“I still plan on making my views known to the board,” Doy said. align=”left”>Candidate
SVSD Director District No.1
| Candidate | Votes Received | Percent of Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Hodgins | 2,182 | 47.11% |
| Geoffrey Doy | 1,161 | 25.06% |
| Paul Houldridge | 1,252 | 27.03% |
| Write-in | 37 | 0.80% |
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For more results, visit King County Elections
King County Executive
| Candidate | Votes Received | Percent of Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Larry Phillips | 31,635 | 11.98% |
| Fred Jarrett | 32,818 | 12.43% |
| Stan Lippmann | 3,024 | 1.15% |
| Alan Lobdell | 6,495 | 2.46% |
| Susan Hutchison | 91,341 | 34.60% |
| Dow Constantine | 65,885 | 24.96% |
| Ross Hunter | 29,293 | 11.10% |
| Goodspaceguy | 3,102 | 1.18% |
| Write-in | 382 | 0.14% |
SVSD Director District No.1
| Candidate | Votes Received | Percent of Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Hodgins | 1,895 | 47.43% |
| Geoffrey Doy | 1,001 | 25.06% |
| Paul Houldridge | 1,073 | 26.86% |
| Write-in | 26 | 0.65% |
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For more results, visit King County Elections
