Val Tollefson flattened opponent Dick Haugan in the race for the North Ward seat on Bainbridge Island City Council.
And his win proved that more campaign dollars did not work in Haugan’s favor.
In the first vote count released by the Kitsap County Elections Division Tollefson nailed down a landslide win with 66.1 percent of the votes.
Haugan held onto 33.8 percent of the vote.
The first vote tally was 3,470-1,775, with Tollefson in front by 1,695 votes.
“Obviously, we’re elated,” Tollefson said.
“It’s just so exciting that the majority of voters, and I’m speaking for myself, responded to my positive message, and I’m really looking forward to working on exactly what I promised to be. I want to be a respectful and responsive member of the council,” he said.
Haugan could not be reached for comment on Election Night.
The North Ward race was the most expensive city council race in the history of Bainbridge Island.
Haugan and Tollefson raised more than $54,500 combined for their campaigns.
Haugan, who pulled in the most donations but came up short on Election Day, raised $28,600 in his first-ever shot at elected office.
Tollefson, the runaway winner, pulled in nearly $26,000 in donations.
Campaign finance reports on file with the state show that Haugan was sitting on a large reserve of potential campaign cash in the final weeks of the campaign. He reportedly spent $12,420 on his race, according to his most recent expenditure report.
Tollefson has spent $17,452, according to his most recent expenditure report on file with the Public Disclosure Commission.
Atop campaign donations, Haugan had high-profile support.
He was endorsed by current city council members Mayor Steve Bonkowski, Councilwoman Sarah Blossom and Councilman Dave Ward.
Three seats were up for grabs for the Bainbridge Island City Council this November.
There were no incumbents. Currently holding the position for the North Ward seat is Councilman Bob Scales, who decided not to run for reelection.
Also in the running for the Bainbridge Island City Council are Arlene Buetow and Wayne Roth for the Central Ward, Position 5 seat, with Roth in the winner’s perch with 61.4 percent of the vote; and Arlene Buetow and Wayne Roth for the Central Ward, Position 5 seat, with Roth in a shut-out win with 61.4 percent of the vote.
