Leonard Kelley holds solid lead in Stanwood mayoral race

STANWOOD — City Councilman Leonard Kelley has a big lead in the Stanwood mayoral race.

“It’s not a done deal yet,” Kelley said. “But I am feeling confident.”

On Tuesday night, Kelley’s opponent, former councilman Les Anderson had gathered 301 votes or 38.1 percent of the vote to Kelley’s 477 votes or 60.38 percent.

Mayor Dianne White, who announced in May that she would not seek another four-year term, predicted Kelley’s win earlier in the evening.

“Definitely, Leonard Kelley,” she said.

Anderson, who works with the public works department in Mill Creek, served the public works supervisor in Stanwood for seven years and was a city councilman for eight years before that. Kelley has served six years on the council.

Now retired, Kelley, 56, said attracting business to Stanwood and raising awareness about the city throughout the region is a top priority. Kelley, who worked for the YMCA, UPS and the Teamsters Union, said he has developed relationships with leaders around the state, which he hopes will help him be a voice for the city.

“I am proud of those contacts and they are in both political parties,” Kelley said. “I think they will be beneficial in our work.”

Kelley has served as mayor pro-tem for two years and is chairman of the city’s public safety committee.