By Brenda Sexton-The Courier-Herald
Corey Cassell and Gerd Weyer didn't feel comfortable last week calling themselves Enumclaw School Board members, even though the two were leading the Nov. 6 elections.
Cassell, running against Bob Horn for the District Director No. 3 spot, was leading with 53 percent of the vote. Weyer was leading incumbent Lorianne Taff for the District Director No. 4 slot with 52 percent. Both Cassell and Weyer said the race was too close to call, although the numbers had changed only slightly in four days - never out of their favor.
Friday's numbers were the last before press deadlines since Monday was a federal holiday. The numbers will continue to be updated until certified Nov. 27. Those elected will be sworn into their new office in January.
Longtime board member Nancy Merrill, who ran unopposed, garnered 96 percent approval rate. This will be her fifth term on the school board.
Merrill is also, if the election follows its current path, the only board member still standing from three years ago. Cathy Dahlquist and Chris VanHoof were voted in over longstanding incumbents Mike Goodfellow and Andy Willner in 2005, and current board president Dale Holland chose not to run in this campaign.
On the local level, the election provided little drama outside the school district.
In Enumclaw, incumbent City Council members Jeff Beckwith and Jim Hogan ran unopposed and Richard Elfers was the only candidates seeking the Position 2 seat that is being vacated by Glen Jensen.
In Buckley, four open positions attracted just four candidates, so Randy Reed, James Montgomery, Ron Weigelt and Jan Twardoski were automatic winners.
In Black Diamond, Kristine Hanson, Bill Boston and Leih Mulvihill went unopposed for seats on the council.
In Wilkeson, Dennis Smith, Trisha Summers and Becky Gilbert were unopposed. And in Carbonado, Mayor Richie Morgan went unopposed, as did council candidates Jay Argo, Wally Snover and Buck McBride.
A pair of White River School Board incumbents, Jean Lacey and Susan McGuire, had no opposition.
Plateau voters helped decide a handful of state issues. Generating the most heat was Referendum 67, in which trial lawyers and insurance companies waged political war. In the end, voters supported cracking down on insurance companies despite warnings that passage would lead to frivolous lawsuits and, in the end, higher insurance premiums. The measure passed with nearly 57 percent support.
When it came to making it easier for school district to pass levies, voters appeared to have turned thumbs down - but the outcome is still in doubt. House Joint Resolution 4204 would eliminate the need for 60 percent support, requiring only a simple majority for passage. Election-night totals saw voters rejecting the idea with a 52 percent showing, but the margin has drawn closer with each passing day.
Monday, the split was less than 2,000 votes, with many of the uncounted votes coming from King County, where 4204 was getting healthy support.
The issue getting most of the media attention leading up to election day was Proposition 1, the so-called “roads and transit” measure. Most of the Plateau is outside the taxing area and did not vote; those who reside within the district helped send the issue - which would have raised taxes and license tab fees - down to defeat. It was rejected by a 57 percent margin.
Vote totals are unofficial until certified.
