Incumbents leading in Snohomish County Council races

Three incumbents on the Snohomish County Council appeared headed for re-election in Tuesday night's general election returns.

Voters in north Snohomish County were returning veteran politician John Koster, R-Arlington, for a third County Council term. The former dairy farmer and three-term legislator was leading political newcomer Ellen Hiatt Watson.

"I'm happy with the numbers," said Koster, the council's lone Republican, who led 55-44 percent in the mail-in returns. "I think the voters appreciate that I bring some balance, some common sense to the council."

In the campaign, Koster emphasized the need to rebuild the county's economy and improve its business climate. Koster raised more than $170,600 for the District 1 race, the most contributions received by any council incumbent on Tuesday's ballot.

Hiatt Watson, whose campaign focused on growth in the county's rural areas, had raised $44,280 through Oct. 29.

In the other races for the council, Dave Gossett led 58-42 percent in his race for a third term in District 4, which includes Mountlake Terrace, Brier and Bothell. His opponent is former Lynnwood Fire Chief Bob Meador.

Former fisheries biologist Dave Somers, D-Monroe, led 54-45 percent and also appeared headed for a third term in District 5, which includes Lake Stevens and Snohomish. His opponent, restaurant owner Steve Dana, R-Snohomish, had accused Somers of being "heavy handed" in his efforts to protect the environment and control growth.

In the race for Everett mayor, incumbent Ray Stephanson held a 3-to-1 advantage over Jim Johnson, a mortgage broker. In Lynnwood, Mayor Don Gough was leading perennial challenger Jim Smith by 54-44 percent.

Lynn Thompson: 206-464-8305 or lthompson@seattletimes.com