Cooper leads race for Palmer mayor, 3 props failing in Houston

In a loaded field in the race for Palmer mayor, a candidate who once manned that seat could be in line to return to the position. Jim Cooper, a former mayor of the city, holds a 54-vote lead, according to early results published Tuesday evening.

Cooper was among five candidates in the race for mayor, and four who currently serve on the Palmer City Council. The list also included John Alcantra (103 votes), Josh Tudor (56 votes) and Victoria Hudson (39 votes), who all trail Cooper. A fifth candidate, Cachet Garrett received seven votes.

Cooper received 157 votes from the two voting precincts on Election Day. The early, absentee by mail, questioned and special needs votes will be reported later. The canvas board count is slated for Friday.

There are also two races for three council seats, two three-year terms and one-year term. Alison Collins and Amanda Graham have the early edge for the three-year terms, with 231 votes and 197 votes. The pair sit ahead of Carolina Graver, who has 160 votes. Graver currently sits on the council.

Sherry Carrington leads Aundra Jackson 227-88 in the race for the one-year term seat.

There was one proposition on the ballot, which, if approved, calls for the city’s manager to live within five miles of city limits. Yes votes led 227-134, according to early results.

A total of 367 ballots were counted Tuesday night. There are 261 early, absentee, questioned and special needs ballots still to be counted. The city reported a 5.10% total voter turnout, and 7.18% at the polls.

Election results are expected to be updated Friday in the late afternoon and certified during a special city council meeting on Monday, according to the city.

In Wasilla, there were three seats on the ballot, but only one contested.

Mark Schmidt leads Sue-Sue Scott 97-54 for Council Seat E, according to early unofficial results. Timothy Johnson ran uncontested for Council Seat C and received 129 results. Alina Rubeo was uncontested for Council Seat F and scored 130 votes.

There are still 159 ballots to be counted. Wasilla reported a 3.9% voter turnout.

Results will be updated Friday afternoon and certified during a council meeting Monday.

In Houston, there were three races for council seats and four propositions on the ballot.

The closest council race is for Seat E. Jason Kahn leads David Childs 125-89. Callie Courtney holds a 155-56 advantage over Ron Bass for Seat F. Dan Lewis has a 153-64 lead over Laurie Faubert for Seat G.

Proposition H-01, which would establish a Houston airport, is failing 166-55. The sales tax increase, Proposition H-02, is failing 167-55. Proposition H-04, regarding the Matanuska Thunder Festival, is also failing 190-31. The lone prop passing, H-04, for Houston Founder’s Day, is at 179 yes votes and 49 no votes.

The Houston canvas board will tally addition votes on Friday, and the election will be certified Monday.

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