Peetz pulls ahead in close Spokane Valley council race; other Valley races largely unchanged

Brandi Peetz took the lead Wednesday in a close race to keep her seat on the Spokane Valley City Council, going from four votes behind her opponent, Michelle Rasmussen, to more than 200 ahead.

As of Wednesday evening, Peetz was leading Rasmussen with 7,239 votes to7,036 votes.

“It’s going to be close, and I’m thankful it turned around the other direction,” Peetz said.

She said she doesn’t anticipate a clear outcome until the weekend. Rasmussen said she was the more conservative candidate and that many of the most conservative voters also likely waited until the last day to vote.

“I think it’s going to be tight until the last vote is counted,” Rasmussen said.

On Wednesday afternoon, about 100,000 ballots had been counted and about 54,000 were left. Elections staff say the bulk of the ballots will be counted by Friday.

During the race, Peetz supported using surplus money to pay for road repairs and taking a look at the city’s equity policy. Rasmussen disagreed with Peetz on how to pay for street repairs, saying the city should ask voters if they are willing to pay for better roads. Rasmussen also said the city wouldn’t gain much by rewording its equity policy.

Wednesday’s results showed incumbent and realtor Arne Woodard remained ahead of Lance Gurel, a first-time candidate and accountant, with about 55% of the vote.

On Wednesday, former library trustee Tim Hattenburg was also still ahead of his opponent Bo Tucker, a chiropractor and first-time candidate, with about 54% of the vote.

Wednesday’s results show Spokane Valley Fire Commission candidate Mike Kester slightly increased his large lead over incumbent Ron Schmidt, with about 60% of the vote.

Incumbent Fire Commissioner Patrick Burch also maintained his lead over opponent Bradley Mertens, with nearly 54% of the vote.