Brockus leads Bremerton Council race

With about one third of the votes counted Tuesday Nov. 8, it looked as though Adam Brockus was successful in his bid for the District 3 seat on the Bremerton City Council.

He, as of press time had gathered about 56 percent of the votes, while his opponent John Ales had about 43 percent. One percent of the votes counted went to write-in candidates.

"I am overwhelmed by the people of Manette who listened to my message and believed in me," Brockus said at his home where a small crowd of supporters had gathered.

Ales and a group of family and political allies gathered at LaFermata to wait for results.

Although disappointed, Ales remained optimistic.

"It's still pretty early," he said.

In September's primary, Ales gained about 7 percentage points over Bob Winters, who had initially been declared the winner.

Mayor Cary Bozeman, who ran unopposed, received about 95 percent of the vote for a second term. Mike Shepherd, Carol Arends and Brad Gehring were re-eelected to the council and Nick Wofford begins his first term. All ran unopposed.

In the Bremerton School Board race incumbants DeWayne Boyd and Cynthia Triplett Galloway will remain as directors 5 and 4 respectively.

"I'm very pleased. I didn't expect it to be as big a margin as it is,"

Boyd said. He defeated Beverly Buster with more than 60 percent of the votes. "I thought Beverly Buster ran a very good campaign.

"What's really important is that we continue to make the improvements we've

been making in student learning ... and stay the course," he said.

Galloway followed suit beating opponent Lonnie Dawson with 59 percent of the vote.

"I'm excited. I'm so happy for the citizens of the Bremerton School

District," Galloway said.

"They just keep proving over and over

again that they ... believe in this board, that we're really trying to

help the students and we're moving in the right direction."

In a prepared statement Dawson said, "I'd like to thank everyone who voted and supported me. Congratulations Mrs. Galloway.

Be strong and stand up for all children. Listen to those who elected you and remember to support the community connection.Successful schools have strong community support and I encourage parents and community to get involved."

Results are expected to be updated after 4 p.m. today at www.kitsapgov.com.

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