LYNNWOOD — Political newcomer Nicola Smith appears most likely to challenge Lynnwood Mayor Don Gough for his job in the general election this fall.
Smith as of Wednesday evening had collected 1,064 votes, or 28.16 percent. Gough had 978 votes, or 25.88 percent. Councilman Mark Smith had 917 votes, with councilman Loren Simmonds trailing at 764 votes.
The top two vote-getters advance to the November election. Snohomish County elections officials on Wednesday cautioned that it was still too early to call most races. Hundreds of ballots are still to be counted.
Gough’s been seeking a third term, saying he has unfinished work for the city’s vision. He hasn’t returned most calls seeking comment. He’s 62, and describes himself as a straight-forward, common-sense candidate.
Nicola Smith, a 54-year-old Edmonds Community College dean, says she wants to reset the city, and start a new, more business-friendly chapter.
She and her campaign team now are focusing on meeting with people in town, digging deeper into the city’s issues and fundraising, she said Wednesday.
“I’m just excited and humbled by the voters’ support, and I’m just very enthusiastic to become the mayor of Lynnwood,” she said.
Mark Smith on Wednesday was not out of the battle.
“I’m still in wait-and-see mode,” he said.
A third round of election results is expected to be posted about 5 p.m. Thursday to the county’s website at www.snoco.org/elections/.
The job pays about $97,428 a year.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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