Archer wins irrigation district spot

MOSES LAKE — Challenger Rich Archer was ahead by 155 votes in Tuesday’s election for the position on the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District’s Board of Directors.

Archer, a car salesman, received 545 votes, while 390 votes were cast for incumbent Richard Teals, a retired school teacher, according to preliminary results released Wednesday.

Archer won the race because of the low number of absentee ballots remaining, Teals said.

There are two outstanding absentee ballots, according to the irrigation district office.

A canvassing board reviews two absentee ballots and 19 challenged ballots at the irrigation district’s board meeting at 7 p.m. Monday.

The canvassing board is comprised of irrigation district board members, excluding Teals.

The challenged ballots include voters who were certain they’re paying taxes in the irrigation district, but weren’t listed on a print-out from the assessor’s office, said Julie Smith, of the irrigation district.

On Wednesday, Archer said he “kind of expected it (the election) would turn out that way. I’m happy to see that.”

During election day, Archer’s supporters set up a prime rib sandwich stand on Broadway Avenue.

The stand was a visible sight for people heading to the polling place at the Moses Lake Fire Station on Third Avenue and for others just driving through town.

“I just really appreciate the support we got from people out there,” Archer commented. “I’m there for them. I’m looking forward to the next three years of cleaning up the lake and making it look great.”

Teals thanked the 390 voters who braved the cold and voted for him.

“I have seen major improvements in the lake since I was elected in 2002,” Teals said.

The district now has annual lake clean-ups, has weed harvesters that efficiently and carefully manage the weeds and equipment to start the lake dredging. There’s also a water quality institute for high school and middle school students.

“Our employees have skill and spirit,” Teals commented. “Curt (Carpenter) is a very talented manager.”

Teals hoped permits are obtained so the district can start the lake dredging.

He said his “opposition played on half truths” during his campaign, but didn’t specify.

It appears turnout more than doubled from the 2002 election, Teals said. When he ran in 2002, there were about 450 votes cast, he said. On Tuesday, 935 votes were cast.

Absentee ballots are still trickling in and must be postmarked by Dec. 8 to be counted.