The Nov. 3 preliminary election results for San Juan County Public Hospital Board and San Juan County School District #1 are in. The new public hospital board members in the lead are Barbara Sharp, Monica Harrington and Bill Williams. The new district director for the school district will likely be John Kurtz. The total number of voters was 4,764 of 12,177, or 39 percent of voters.
Barbara Sharp has the lead for position 2 on the SJCPHD Board at 62.55 percent, and 1,719 votes total.
“I was delighted with the election results, and want to thank all of my supporters for their help and encouragement,” Sharp said in a written statement to the Journal. “Because of you I was able to run a clean, honest and positive campaign. I also had the benefit of a wonderful campaign team, good friends who stepped up to the plate and after all that has gone on, we are all still good friends! This election was very difficult , and I hope everyone will work together for positive change. There is a lot of hard work ahead, and I look forward to serving all islanders to assure that everyone has access to the best possible range of health care services.”
Monica Harrington will likely take position 3 at 58.95 percent and 1,614 votes total.
“This was a neighbor-to-neighbor campaign and I’m thrilled and gratified by the result,” Harrington said to the Journal about her win. “Many people worked very hard and I’m very thankful for the support and friendship and the shared interest in making our healthcare work better for everyone.”
Bill Williams is in the front position for spot 5 at 61.63 percent and 1,683 votes total
“I want to thank San Juan islanders for electing me to the public hospital district commission,” said Williams. “I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of congratulations and well wishes I have received since the announcement of the results of the election. I look forward to joining my fellow commissioners in January to work for health care that works for islanders.”
In the race for the San Juan County School District directors, Kurtz has position so far by 51.78 percent.
“I believe I can help the school board focus on fund raising and policy making, which will enable the school administration and teachers to continue to provide and improve their curriculum,” Kurtz said to the Journal.
Candidates running unopposed:
Town of Friday Harbor Council
Steve Hushebeck, member 1
Noel T. Monin, member 2
Barbara Starr, member 5
Town of Friday Harbor Treasurer
Kelle’ Wilson
San Juan Island School District #149 School Board Ralph Hahn, director 3
Jack McKenna, director 5
Port of Friday Harbor Port Commissioner
Greg Hertel, position 3
In addition, state measure Initiative 1401 on animal trafficking has 76.06 percent approval in the county, while the Initiative 1366 on state taxes got a 57.63 percent “no” vote.
These are preliminary numbers. The Journal will publish updates tomorrow as more ballots are counted.
