UPDATE: Initial Results Keep West Hill Unincorporated

Update, Nov. 6

As of 9:30 Wednesday morning, annexation into Renton continues to fail by approximately 10 percent of the vote. Late last night, Tim Beggs sent this response to a request for comment regarding this belief that West Hill remain unincorporated:

"The election results at this point are encouraging.  Individuals worked to defeat the annexation because it will not provide the best future for this area.  I believe Renton does not have the money to provide the services that we are already getting, and that the future potential of this area when developed will make this an attractive, fiscally healthy community.  I want to keep the good things we have here, build on that foundation, with a truly local voice guiding it. 

The No votes are strangers pulled together by a desire to avoid annexation, but we are now looking forward to joining forces to build a cohesive community that will realize the potential of this area. 

The citizens of Renton should thank us for voting no because of the fiscal impact that would have come with annexation."

Original Post, Nov. 6

More than two dozen West Hill “Yes” supporters gathered at Lakeside Bistro Tuesday night to reflect on their efforts, listen to election coverage and await results of their months-long campaign to annex West Hill into Renton.

Just before the results posted to the King County Election web site, organizer Dian Ferguson said she remained optimistic.

“We’re hopeful that in the end we’ll pull through,” she said. But just after 8:30 p.m. she announced the initial King County results.

“I am sorry to report that is is 45 percent to 54 percent. We are losing,” she said.

Kathleen Sidwell, who has lived on the hill since 1965 said she’s watched the area transform from a rural community to an urban area. The needs of the community have changed, she said, and the County can no longer support West Hill.

“They are running out of funds,” she said. “Renton is just two miles down the hill, but (county offices) are all the way up in Seattle.”

Suzann Lombard doorbelled in support of annexation through Sunday, and found a silver lining in Tuesday night’s results.

“No matter what happens, at least we’ve gotten to know a lot of my neighbors, and now we can work together,” she said.

Patch did not hear of a gathering for the group against annexation and had not received a comment on the election results as of press time. Patch will update this article as more results and comments come in.

Click here for previous coverage of the West Hill annexation campaigns.

More Elections Coverage:

Washington Election Results 2012

For annexation

• Votes: 1,550
• Percent: 45.25

Against annexation

• Votes: 1,875
• Percent: 54.74