Karen Liebrecht holding early edge over Avila

MOSES LAKE — If currents results hold, acting Moses Lake Mayor Karen Liebrecht will retain her seat on the city council.

Liebrecht took 57.62 percent of the vote, compared to challenger Jason Avila, who as of Tuesday night was sitting at 42.38 percent. Liebrecht is a small business owner and has owned Animal Crackers in Moses Lake for over 35 years. Her only previous government experience before serving on the council was on the Parks and Recreation Committee for two years.

Liebrecht was named Moses Lake’s first female mayor in August following the resignation of Todd Voth from the council. Voth made the decision to resign from the council because of personal attacks against him, his family and his personal property. Per council rules, the deputy mayor, Liebrecht, serves as mayor during a continued absence of the appointed mayor. The mayor and deputy mayor position in Moses Lake are voted on by the council every two years.

If Liebrecht's lead holds, Avila’s defeat will be his second loss in a general election in as many years. After serving on the council for a number of years in Position No. 3, Avila was defeated by Don Myers in 2015 by only 17 votes.

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 Nov. 28.

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