Liberty Lake and Millwood vote for mayors

SPOKANE VALLEY — The polls have closed on another General Election Day and the early results are coming into focus.

In the Liberty Lake mayoral race, Cris Kaminskas was validated by being elected to the position she was appointed to when Shane Brickner resigned last December. Kaminskas garnered 64% of the vote to former Mayor Steve Peterson’s 34%.

Millwood voters have decided Kevin Freeman will continue to be their mayor with 72% of the vote over challenger Matt Dean.

Freeman says he sought a third term to help guide an important traffic and planning project to completion.

Spokane Valley City Council

There are seven positions on the Spokane Valley City Council, but only four were in play this year.

Conservative Rod Higgins hoped to retain Position No. 1 for his third term on the council, but early results show him trailing with 47% to 51% behind opponent James “J.J.” Johnson.

Higgins believes he ran a strong campaign.

“I don’t know what we could have done differently," he said. "Traditionally, you win races by knocking on doors and talking to people. Maybe that’s changing.”

Johnson is cautiously optimistic after the initial tally.

“I’m hopeful that tomorrow we see a continuation of this kind of percentage,” he said.

As for why he thinks voters are choosing him, Johnson said, “I think it shows that the people in the valley are interested in moving forward, not moving back. They’re interested in finding someone who represents us all.

"The most important thing to me, is to represent my hometown in its entirety. I’m excited to have that opportunity and hope it comes to fruition.” What are Higgins' plans should Johnson maintain his lead? “To improve my golf game.”

Bar owner Brandon Fenton was unsuccessful in his bid to unseat Mayor Ben Wick, who maintained his spot in Position No. 4 with 66% of the vote compared to Fenton’s 33%.

Wick was pleased.

“Very happy, proud and thankful to all the citizens that stepped up to vote,” he said after polls closed. “Based on tonight, I’m seeing a lot of consistency for our City Council. We’ll continue to keep the future in mind by looking out and watching for opportunities for the city of Spokane Valley.”

Brandon Fenton’s father and business partner, Wayne Fenton failed to capture council Position No. 5.

Incumbent Pam Haley bested Fenton with 67% to his 30% showing to retain her seat.

She has been a member of the council for six years.

As early results were posted Haley said, “I am humbled by the support I received tonight. I look forward to working hard for the city of Spokane Valley. We have work to do.”

Fenton said that it wasn’t likely that the numbers would change enough to make a win possible. “We’re disappointed that we’ve fallen so far behind. We don’t feel like we’re going to be able to come back from that," he said, expressing frustration. “Little bit discouraged that our message doesn’t get out as well as it should. We can only hope that the city of Spokane Valley will wake up to the realities of life and start fighting for their freedom.”

As of Tuesday night, Laura Padden, had a slight edge over incumbent Linda Thompson in the race for council Position No. 7.

Padden has been chosen by 51% of voters. Thompson trails behind with 48%.

Thompson is disappointed, but optimistic.

“We knew it was going to be a tight race. Hoping some more ballots will come my way," she said. "Did my best on the campaign. We’ll just have to see how it comes out. But I know the city will be in good hands however the council races come out.”

Padden thanked the people who voted for her.

“I am gratified by all the support I received tonight and during this campaign," she said. "I want to thank all the people who worked for me and I look forward to working hard for the residents of Spokane Valley.”

The county has several thousand late-arriving ballots yet to be counted.

Election results will not be official until they are certified on Tuesday, Nov. 23.