Voth leading in Moses Lake council race

GRANT, ADAMS COUNTIES - Just more than 30 percent of voters turned out in Grant and Adams County for Tuesday's General Election with many newcomers taking over city seats.

In Moses Lake, Todd Voth, running a second time for city council, will likely replace 13-year Councilmember Brent Reese, receiving about 58 percent of the vote.

"Things happen the way they happen," Reese said. "What I believe is when you run for city council, do not have a personal agenda. Run for the people, run open-minded. It's been a really good run. I'm not saying I've lost yet. I've enjoyed what I've been doing for the city and it's citizens."

Voth, who ran for council in 2009, said he's excited to begin in his new position.

"Time to roll up my sleeves and go to work now," he said. "We needed change. We needed some new blood in there. It's time for some fresh, new ideas and I'm ready for the challenge."

Voth also congratulated Reese on the work he's done for the City of Moses Lake during his 13 years as a councilmember.

Oscar Ochoa is up by about 500 votes over his challenger, Anthony Mejia, for Moses Lake School District Board Director Position 2.

In Coulee City, incumbent Richard Heiberg is trailing newcomer Robert Dove, with Dove receiving about 59 percent of the votes. For City Council position 5, Jim Adams has a commanding lead with more than 66 percent of the vote over Daniel Delp.

Quincy Mayor Jim Hemberry will retain his position, receiving more than 70 percent of the votes over challenger Patricia Naigle-Martin. Adam Roduner leads Erin James with 57 percent of the votes for City Council position 2. Council position 4 goes to Paul D. Worley over Jeremy Seda, receiving 73 percent of the votes. For City Council Position 5, David Day leads Jose Saldana by a margin of 412 votes to 286 votes, and Dustin Peterson leads Matt Tait with 57 percent of the vote for Council position 6.

In Adams County, about 32 percent of voters turned out for the election.

Othello Mayor Tim Wilson looks to be heading out as Shawn Logan has a commanding lead with more than 66 percent of the vote.

The race between Kenneth E. Caylor and Corey Everett for Council position 3 is too close to call, with Everett leading by just 11 votes.

Jamie Schmunk has a commanding lead over Larry L. Koch for Lind mayor, getting about 65 percent of the votes. Karissa Labes defeats Rosemary Elkington for council position 1, and Kathy White wins over Calah Kulm with about 56 percent of the votes.

There are still about 2,500 ballots in Grant County and 400 in Adams County to be counted, according to the election departments.

The election will be certified on Nov. 26.