Voters in Lewis County’s district 3 of the Public Utility District (PUD) coverage area seem to have cast their primary ballots for a new representative on the utility’s board of commissioners.
As of the most recent tally, Mike Hadaller had earned 42.6% of the vote, Kevin Emerson had earned 32.37% and incumbent Tim Cournyer trailed with 24%.
District 3 covers most of East and South Lewis County. PUD commissioners make $30,804 per year from the position, which is a six-year term. The PUD commissioner seat is nonpartisan.
Asked if he was surprised by Tuesday night’s outcome, Hadaller said, “A little bit, yes. It was my first election. I was skeptical if I did well enough. Now we’ve got November.”
In the meantime, he said, he would be spending time researching the PUD and concentrating on getting to know the rest of the county.
“I thank everyone very deeply for voting for me and I will do ‘em the best job that I can and I will hold true to my word,” Hadaller said.
Emerson said on Tuesday night he is very excited to take his campaign to the remaining PUD customers.
“I’m going to continue to talk to my neighbors, continue to get the message that I’ve been presenting to the rest of the county,” Emerson said.
He added that he isn’t planning on changing his strategy, which is simply to be himself and communicate clearly with voters, which he said involves listening to them and sharing what’s on his mind and heart.
“I’ll continue to do that for the rest of the county,” he said.
County certification of the election will take place on Aug. 16 at 9 a.m., with statewide certifications taking place on Aug. 19.
