November 8, 2007

Kadlec leads race for mayor

Following the first count of ballots Linda Kadlec appears to be the new mayor of Ritzville. She garnered 351 votes versus the 293 votes Harry Schafer received in the mayor’s election on Tuesday night.

While Kadlec was elated to be in the lead, Schafer admitted he was still hopeful that enough ballots might come in to change the outcome.

Both candidates praised their opponents for conducting a clean campaign and focusing on the issues.

Kadlec said she’s thrilled by the possiblities. She said she has “a total desire to give the utmost of myself to this town that I love and to honor my campaign promises.”

Schafer said he plans to seek appointment to the Ward No. 5 city council seat that will be vacant when Kadlec ascends to the position of mayor.

“I want to be involved in the city,” he said.

Kadlec thanked several members of her campaign committee, her family and her husband, Tom Kadlec, for their support during the campaign.

“Right now I am on cloud nine. Tonight I plan to walk the sidewalks of Main Avenue just to touch base with the city that I love so much,” Kadlec said after the votes were counted.