Bertlin Wins City Council Seat as Jahncke Concedes Race

Mercer Island Patch has confirmed Deputy Mayor has conceded the race for Mercer Island City Council, Pos. 7 to challenger .

The latest tally of votes released by King County Elections show Bertlin continues to extend her lead with 59 percent of the vote (3923 votes), or over 1,200 votes ahead of Jahncke, with 44.5 percent of all mailed ballots counted.

Reached by phone Thursday evening, Jahncke said he contacted Bertlin yesterday to congratulate her on her win.

"She ran an excellent campaign, and apparently an effective one," he said. "I wish her the best of luck. She's a fine lady and I believe she'll make a fine councilmember."

The Bertlin Campaign released the following statement:

"It’s a tremendous honor to have such resounding support from the Community – now and throughout this election season.  While Mr. Jahncke has served the Island well for over 20 years, and deserves sincere recognition for the commitment shown, the Island is clearly ready for the fresh perspective and approach I will bring to the Council.

And of course I must recognize and thank the campaign’s many supporters, endorsers, volunteers and enthusiasts.   How fortunate to have worked with a wide range of energetic and intelligent supporters and I will continue to draw on their experiences in years to come."

Jahncke said he also believed the "turmoil" in as a result of a lawsuit brought by the city's former deputy city manager had a significant impact on the City Council race. Former city attorney and deputy city manager Londi Lindell — plus additional fees — to withdraw her wrongful dimissal and sexual harassment case against the city this summer. The city was also for violating state public disclosure laws in the case.

"I think her call for change resonated with the voters," he said.

Jahncke, 69, is currently working full-time as a Senior Vice President & Portfolio Manager at Washington Capital Management, and after nearly 20 years of public service as an elected official he said this election would probably be his last.

"I'm at that point in my life where, while I won't be totally retiring, I'll be scaling back," he said. "I'm not looking to take on anything else at the moment."