PORT ANGELES — Charlie McCaughan garnered nearly half of the primary vote and Richard W. “Doc” Robinson was comfortably in second place Wednesday in a three-person primary for Port Angeles City Council Position 5.
McCaughan, 63, and Robinson, 66, will square off in the Nov. 5 general election for the seat being vacated by City Council member Michael Merideth, who did not seek re-election.
McCaughan had 961 votes to Robinson’s 546 votes — or 49.7 percent to 28.3 percent — after the Clallam County Auditor’s Office processed ballots Tuesday and Wednesday.
Artur Wojnowski, 35, had 413 votes, or 21.4 percent of the total.
The next count of ballots in the all-mail election will be by 4:30 p.m. today.
The top-two vote-getters in the primary advance to the general election Nov. 5.
“I was very grateful to see the show of support,” McCaughan said Wednesday.
“I want to thank everyone who voted,” he added.
McCaughan, procurement and facilities supervisor at Clallam County Public Utility District, said he has enjoyed attending campaign forums and knocking on doors to hear the concerns of city residents and business owners.
Citing the lack of sidewalks and lighting in much of the city, McCaughan said he would continue to campaign on public safety issues.
“Public safety is my biggest concern,” McCaughan said.
McCaughan added that he would work with the Port of Port Angeles to attract living-wage jobs.
“I want to keep our talent here,” he said.
Robinson said he was “pleased” to advance to the general election, adding that each candidate campaigned with the city’s best interest in mind.
“All three candidates agree we need to make changes,” Robinson said Wednesday.
“It’s just a different speed and direction.”
Robinson, the executive director of Serenity House of Clallam County, said he would continue to advocate for “fast change.”
“I’m focused on changing our development climate so that developers feel like they have the backing of the city,” Robinson said.
“Backing means procedures are streamlined, rules are less onerous and the city is an active participant in processing paperwork and helping developers get started on projects.”
Wojnowski, a general contractor and owner of Home Guys, was not immediately available for comment Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Martha Cunningham and Brendan Meyer were the top-two vote getters in a contested primary for the Port Angeles City Council Position 7 seat being vacated by Cherie Kidd.
Meyer led third-place challenger Tara Martin Lopez by just six votes after Wednesday’s count. Lopez moved out of state after her name was placed on the ballot.
Nina Napiontek and Navarra Carr were uncontested in the primary and will face off in the general election for the Position 6 seat being vacated by Mayor Sissi Bruch.
The three new council members will join four second-year members who took office in January 2018.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.