Write-in candidate considers victoryby Rick Nelson

The hard work of write-in candidate George Wehrfritz paid off in his bid for election as mayor of Cathlamet.

Wehrfritz, who became a full-time resident of Cathlamet only this year, mounted a campaign that included media advertising and door-to-door visits to defeat former Councilor John Hannah 107-58 in the first count of votes in the general election. Election officials update the count today (Thursday) starting at 10 a.m.

"I'm surprised; I'm honored; I'm excited to get started," Wehrfritz said Tuesday night.

"The thing that is clear to everybody is that it's the economy, the economy, the economy.

"We've got to come up with strategies to breathe life into the business community. In the past few weeks, I've had many conversations with people who have good ideas. We've got a good talent pool in this county of people who know what it takes to run a business."

Wehrfritz will take office in January. He succeeds Mayor Dick Swart, who is retiring. Councilors include incumbents Wally Wright, David Goodroe, Bob Rendler and Steve McNicholas and newly elected Councilor Ruth Doumit.