Constantine wins in last-minute swing

Dow Constantine, supported by Council 2, won the position of King County executive with a vote of almost 60 percent as voters swung to his side in the closing week of the election.

Voters realized that his opponent, Susan Hutchinson, did not have the experience to lead the county during these tough economic times and, by electing Constantine, who had served as a council member, they sought a degree of stability in county government.

Local scores big on endorsements

The City of Kirkland Local 1837 went 4-4 on their endorsements for Kirkland City Council. Can’t ask for better than that.

The Local also supported the annexation of three areas in unincorpoated King County — Kingsgate, Finn Hill and North Juanita — which will greatly expand the city boundaries and add a large number of residents to the city base. At last report, the result of the election was too close to call.

Libraries relieved by tax boost

Libraries throughout the Sno-Isle Library System will not have to cut their hours — or their staff. A property-tax increase to provide additional funding to the library was approved by about 52 percent of voters.

Endorsed mayors win in Vancouver and Tacoma

A campaign, enthusiastically supported by members of the City of Vancouver Local 307-vc, to replace long-term incumbent Vancouver mayor Royce Pollard was successful, with Tim Leavitt winning the position by about 7 percentage points. It was one of the closest, most expensive, and most contentious elections in the city’s recent history.

• Tacoma’s new mayor, Marilyn Strickland, was endorsed by Council 2.

Fagan fails

Mike Fagan, who for years has helped run Tim Eyman’s anti-tax ballot measures, failed spectacularly in a bid to gain a seat on the Spokane City Council, garnering little more than 37 percent of the vote. His major financial backer was Michael Dunmire, a resident of Woodinville in Western Washington, who also underwrites Eyman’s initiatives.