Ephrata council incumbent wins

EPHRATA —  Incumbent Mark Wanke took the lead in the race for Ephrata City Council position 2 to win.

The Grant County Auditor’s office counted the first round of ballots in the general election Tuesday.

Wanke received 70 percent of votes, with 1,036 votes, while challenger Clarke Morris had 30 percent with 438 votes.

“I’m really honored the citizens of Ephrata would let me represent them for another four years,” Wanke said. “With a tight budget we have for this year, there are many projects we are working on and we are going to have to keep to the grindstone to make sure the projects come through.”

Wanke said the campaign made him refocus his goals.

“I’ve campaigned a few times and every time is different,” he said. “Every one is a learning experience.”

He said street projects were his priority.

“I will continue on with them because the citizens of Ephrata wanted them the most,” Wanke said.

Wanke is also working to improve parks.

“I’m looking forward to getting these projects completed,” Wanke said. “We are looking at them as money becomes available, we have to watch our purse strings.”

Morris said he expected the results.

“Mr. Wanke is a well-known name and is heavily involved in the community,” he said. “I didn’t spend any money on my campaign, so (my results) are not a bad showing.”

Morris could not actively campaign because of personal situations, he said.

“I couldn’t do it because I was in the middle of buying a house and doing other things,” he said. “I think everything went well, considering the fact that I am new to the area and not very well known by people.”

Morris said his favorite part was meeting new people.

“I liked the forum we had because people had the chance to ask me questions about where I stood,” he said. “I want to make myself available to people because I think that is very important for a candidate to do.”

Morris plans to re-apply for the position when it becomes available again. 

“I am looking forward to getting more involved in the process and being more informed,” he said. “I am looking forward to having a more active and definitive campaign.”

There were 13,778 votes counted for the general elections. More votes are being counted this afternoon.