Thursday, March 28, 2024

Strand defeats Lak for Leavenworth City Council seat

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Former local radio personality Clint Strand emerged victorious in his battle with longtime local businessman Tibor Lak for a seat on the Leavenworth City Council. Lak had previously served 12 years on the council, but was defeated by Margaret Neighbors two years ago. 

Strand received 67 percent of the vote on a low turnout election. After previously having to drop out of the school board race due to his radio conflicts, Strand was the thankful to win. 

“Tibor Lak is a fantastic candidate. He would have done well there, but I’m humbled at the numbers and support I received at the ballot box,” Strand said.  

In terms of getting up to speed, Strand, who now works for Confluence Health, said he still has a lot of studying and reading to do. 

“Class in session. There are study sessions I need to attend. The Washington Association of Cities runs a boot camp for new city council people,” Strand said. “The nice thing is, I don’t have to make any decisions tomorrow. I have until now and the end of the year to get up to speed. I don’t want to trip on that treadmill before I get up to speed.”

Strand plans to sit back and learn before he jumps into any of the council’s issues. 

“I think God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. When you are the new guy and have a lot to learn, that is not your role. That’s not to say I don’t have opinions and expressing them, but I think there is a lot to learn,” Strand said. “At least initially, it’s good to get the lay of the land before you start running so you don’t stub your toe.”

There was no big celebration party for the Strand campaign. He said it was pretty low key. 

“It’s funny. There was Ctizen’s Advisory Committee meeting at city hall. It did not get over until 8 p.m. I had to stop by Dan’s, then beat it home before the Auditor’s office posted the election results. When I saw it, I kissed my wife and twirled my kids. That was my big campaign party,” Strand said. 

Strand will be sworn into office at the first council meeting in 2018. He will be serving four years as council member 6. The vacancy on this seat was created when Rich Brinkman, who had previously been appointed to the spot, chose not to run. 

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.

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