Val Tollefson is winning in a landslide for the North Ward, Position 7 seat on the Bainbridge Island City Council.
Tollefson was leading in the first vote count released by the Kitsap County Elections Division on Elections Night.
Tollefson had 66 percent of the vote, while his opponent Dick Haugan followed closely behind with 33 percent.
The first vote tally was 3,470-1,775.
The contest for the North Ward seat has brought the forces of business and public service head to head.
Haugan, 69, has worked for many years in advertising and marketing. According to his voter pamphlet, he has directed a division of a Fortune 500 company and has founded a major Seattle advertising agency. He is currently consults in advertising and database work.
In the campaign for the North Ward seat, he has repeatedly said that he would use his background in business to encourage a business approach to city government.
Tollefson, 71, on the other hand is a former trial lawyer and mediator. He has held a multitude of positions in community organizations ranging from the Bainbridge Island Harbor Commission to the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association.
In contrast to Haugan’s business-minded, tight budget campaign, Tollefson said he is here for the people as an act of public service.
In a statement for the county voter’s guide, Tolleson said, “My professional life has been devoted to finding practical solutions to complex problems.”
A key component of his campaign has been based on advocating for good government. This he said would be a result of good leadership in focusing on the bigger picture rather than items that have already gone through the process.
He has also committed to respecting the council-manager form of government.
The elected council member in the running for the North Ward seat will take up the seat currently held by Councilman Bob Scales.
Scales has decided not to run for reelection. There are no incumbents in this election.
Voters also cast ballots in two other races for the Bainbridge Island City Council.
Arlene Buetow and Wayne Roth are in the running for the Central Ward, Position 5 seat and Dee McComb and Roger Townsend are facing off for the South Ward, Position 3 seat.
