MARYSVILLE Shes in, shes out, shes on top, now shes back in.
Incumbent Marysville School Board member Sherri Crenshaw topped a trio of candidates on the Aug. 21 primary ballot despite withdrawing from the race earlier this summer. Now with a strong showing at the polls, Crenshaw said she is back in the race and promises to serve if she prevails in the November general election.
Im in it, Crenshaw laughed after her strong showing. Im so pleased that people actually wanted me to do it. I think I was just a little nervous actually.
She wanted to continue serving but didnt want to campaign, saying she wasnt up to the glad-handing and sign making chores. Crenshaw said she didnt know if she would campaign all-out now that she prevailed in the primary, but would definitely appear at any debates or speaking engagements if they are scheduled. A former teacher in Kansas, Crenshaw has a bachelors degree and teaching certificate, and has many academic credits toward her masters degree, where she studied elementary school administration.
I have a range of experience and that helps. Im not the real politician, Crenshaw said. I didnt realize I had that kind of support. I though I was doing a good job, I didnt know how the public felt.
Crenshaw was appointed to the district five seat last year but dropped out of the primary race after former Marysville City Councilwoman Lisa Vares and school volunteer Corinne Diteman filed to run for her position. But her withdrawal came after the official deadline so Crenshaws name stayed on the primary ballot. She will appear on the general election ballot as well according to elections officials and will face Vares. Vares did not return several calls and emails over the last week.
Crenshaw said she wanted to serve on the board but not campaign for the seat. Early returns from the Snohomish County Auditors office show Crenshaw leading handily, with nearly a third of the 7,684 votes registered. She led with 3,492 over Vares with 2,290, and Ditemans 1,812 votes.
Crenshaw was endorsed by the Tulalip Tribes for the primary. Her name will appear with Varess on the Nov. 6 general election ballot regardless of her wishes, said Snohomish County Auditor Carolyn Diepenbrock.
Two other seats on the Marysville School Board are also on the ballot this Nov. 6: position number two features incumbent Cindy Erickson facing a challenge from Donald Wlazlak, and position three incumbent Darci Becker is being challenged by Steve King, the owner of an Arlington scuba supply shop.