Daryl Jackson ahead in four-way race in ML

MOSES LAKE — In a rare four-way general election contest in Moses Lake, former Moses Lake councilmember Daryl Jackson is currently leading in the race for Position No. 4 on the council.

Jackson secured 39.98 percent of the vote, followed by candidates Barry Lawson, who received 35.36 percent, Dana Borschowa, who took 13.58 percent, and Peter Steffens, who received 11.09 percent of the vote.

The four candidates registered to run for Position No. 4 after the initial filing period after former councilmember Bill Ecret resigned from the council following a move outside of city limits, which disqualified him from being on the council. Ecret filed to run for Position No. 4, despite occupying Position No. 1 on the council when he filed to run.

A Grant County Superior Court judge approved a petition to disqualify Ecret’s name from appearing on yesterday’s ballot. As a result, Grant County Auditor Michele Jaderlund opened up a special three-day filing period for Position No. 4, as Ecret was running unopposed for the position.

Council members initially voted to solicit resumes and letters of interest from residents who wished to serve on the council through the end of Ecret’s term, December 31. The council reversed the decision during a later council meeting and voted to keep the seat vacant, despite receiving resumes and letters of interest from city residents.

Tuesday night’s results are unofficial. The Grant County Auditor’s Office reports there are still 10,426 ballots left to be counted. The next scheduled ballot count is set for today at 4:30 p.m. The results will be certified by the state auditor’s office November 28.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.