MARYSVILLE — The city of Marysville’s incumbent mayor appears likely to win his first election since being appointed to office by his predecessor.
As of Nov. 15 at 4:22 p.m., Jon Nehring is leading Kelly Wright in the Marysville mayor’s race by 8,907 votes, or 64.18 percent of the vote, to 4,935 votes, or 35.56 percent of the vote, out of 13,878 votes counted.
Nehring characterized himself as running a positive campaign based on both his accomplishments to date and his aspirations for the future.
“I have really enjoyed getting the opportunity to dialogue with so many during this campaign, through doorbelling, forums and several other events,” Nehring said. “I want to keep that dialogue going and do my absolute best to effectively represent the interests of all our citizens.”
Wright touted the value of his own campaign in offering Marysville voters a choice in this election.
“Local media is dominated by the city’s official communications,” Wright said. “In that environment, it is difficult for a challenger to get a message out to the voters.”
Wright will be turning over his campaign website, www.bettermarysville.com, to be relaunched by those “who want to have current information and in-depth discussion of the issues in Marysville” in the New Year. Beyond that, he looks forward to returning to work at his job full-time.
“I feel it makes an important contribution to democratic government around the world,” Wright said. “It has been a great joy to have had the six months that I have campaigned as uninterrupted time at home with my family. For that reason alone, it was worth it.”
On the City Council, Rob Toyer leads Scott Allen by 6,847 votes, or 54.18 percent of the vote, to 5,696 votes, or 45.07 percent of the vote, out of 12,638 votes counted, while Steve Muller leads Roger Hoen by 7,940 votes, or 63.40 percent of the vote, to 4,491 votes, or 35.86 percent of the vote, out of 12,524 votes counted.
Toyer believes he connected well with Marysville’s small business owners, and he credited his friends and business associates with helping to spread the word about his candidacy. As such, he plans to continue meeting with local businesses owners, residents and other members of the community, and he expressed enthusiasm for working as part of a team with the other City Council members.
“I’m only one of seven, so establishing great working relationships is important for us to make any progress,” Toyer said. “I’m excited about Jon Nehring’s election. He’s a leader that I stand behind 100 percent. I’ll support him in his efforts to make Marysville the best place to live, work, and play.”
Running unopposed were Michael Stevens, who received 11,095 votes, or 98.74 percent of 11,237 votes counted, and Carmen Rasmussen, who received 10,858 votes, or 98.67 percent of 11,004 votes counted.
On the Marysville School Board, Pete Lundberg leads Darci Becker by 8,563 votes, or 56.78 percent of the vote, to 6,420 votes, or 42.57 percent of the vote, out of 15,081 votes counted. Running unopposed were Cindy Erickson, who received 12,872 votes, or 98.49 percent of 13,070 votes counted; Wendy Fryberg, who received 12,720 votes, or 98.06 percent of 12,971 votes counted; and Tom Albright, who received 12,995 votes, or 98.71 percent of 13,165 votes counted.
All three Lakewood School Board members up for election ran unopposed, with Kelly Allen receiving 2,889 votes, or 98.90 percent of 2,921 votes counted; Gregory Jensen receiving 2,933 votes, or 98.89 percent of 2,966 votes counted; and Lawrence Bean receiving 2,874 votes, or 98.76 percent of 2,910 votes counted.