Fire Chief Al Church and the South King Fire & Rescue succeeded in getting Federal Way voters to pass Proposition 1, a lid-lift measure that allows the fire district to meet the growing costs of providing emergency services. 66 percent of voters in last week's primary approved the measure. <b>Photo by Seth Bynum.</b>
Of the nearly 56,000 registered voters in Federal Way, just over 10 percent, or 5954, cast their ballots in last week's primary election.
As none of the candidates for state senate or house positions from legislative district 30 had a challenger within their parties, the same names will appear on the general election ballot in November.
Democratic State Senator Eide received 2,836 votes, while her Republican opponent Renee Maher earned 2,100.
2,764 votes were cast for Democrat Mark Miloscia, currently serving his fourth term in the House. Newcomer Anthony Kalchik, the Republican candidate for Position #1, received 1,898.
"We expected a low turn out and are hoping a lot more people will vote in the general election," said Paul Kalchik, campaign manager and son of Anthony Kalchik. "We're optimistic about our race and we hope that the community supports us."
Helen Stanwell, the Democrat contender for State Representative Position #2, running against incumbent Skip Priest, came out ahead last week, earning 2,518 votes to Priest's 2,143.
Priest, as did all the candidates, commented that the scant voter turnout was not surprising. "When we changed from an open primary to the Pick-a-party ballot two years ago, that dampened participation," said Priest last Thursday. "What this week's vote did show, however, is that we are a swing district and that the results were very close. It's up to each candidate to make a strong case if they plan to win in November."
Local Proposition #1, asking voters to maintain the current property tax levy rate of $1.50 per $1,000.00 of assessed valuation, won a 66 percent approval rate. Unlike the office contests, Prop. #1 was decided last week; the measure only needed a simple majority to go into effect for another year.
"For the sixth straight year, our citizens told us, overwhelmingly, they want us to maintain the current level of service. We are humbled and grateful for the support," said Allen Church, Fire Chief of the South King County Fire and Rescue.
"This means we will continue to give the best we've got."
