Election: Rob & Rich are in…

While several of the statewide elections are pretty close as I write this Tuesday evening, the two local races San Juan Island residents were watching are settled:

Deputy sheriff Rob Nou has been elected as San Juan County's next sheriff.

Rob Nou defeated Brent Johnson by a couple of thousand votes in a county-wide vote, while Rich Peterson held onto his spot on the County Council, setting aside a strong challenge by Laura Jo Severson by a little under a hundred votes. Both elections were called by County Auditor Milene Henley early Tuesday evening.

I called Rob Tuesday night…he says he is “energized to roll up his sleeves and get to work” when he is sworn in in early January. He says he found the election results both “humbling and gratifying at the same time,” and is looking forward to serving as the next county sheriff.

Voters elected Rich Peterson to a second term...

When I checked in with Rich, he says it’s nice to have the election over….  He says he’s thankful to his supporters, and he’s looking forward to the new County Council (Patty Miller ran unopposed and joins the Council from Orcas, while Bob & Jamie have it too close to call on Lopez). He says he’s looking forward to getting things done in the new term.

From my point of view, I’d have to say this was generally one of the better election campaigns I’ve seen around here, with bright, thoughtful committed candidates and positive, issues-centered campaigns. Congratulations to all of you, and thanks for your desire to serve.

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