BOISE, Idaho — Election results will be updated when the polls close, 9 p.m. Mountain Time.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
Eagle residents will have to wait a few more weeks to find out who their next mayor will be.
Incumbent Jason Pierce and City Councilmember Brad Pike will square off in a runoff election Dec. 5. Pierce garnered more votes than his three challengers, but since no candidate's vote count eclipsed the 50% mark, as Idaho code requires, the top two vote-getters will go back on the ballot in a runoff election. Pierce tallied 35.5% of the 10,086 votes and Pike was second with 31.4%.
The runoff election is mandated to occur within 30 days following the general election date. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5, and early voting will be available from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1.
The city of Eagle is responsible for covering the cost to hold the runoff.
“I obviously would have loved to win it outright, but, it'll be a runoff and we'll work hard and make it happen,” Pierce told the Idaho Press by phone Wednesday. “I think when most people see the true difference between the two of us, that they'll know that I'm the right person to vote for.”
Pierce has served one term as mayor. He's been criticized by Pike and other opponents for the Avimor annexation — which will add approximately 37,000 residents to Eagle's population — and how it will affect residents. Pike, in particular, has said that annexing Avimor into Eagle will require adding more police officers to the payroll.
But, Pierce said, he didn't vote on the Avimor annexation, describing his position as more of a CEO than a voting member.
“The city has been moving in the right direction the last four years,” Pierce said. “It's people realizing what the mayor's responsibilities are, and understanding that you're running a multimillion-dollar business. Councilman Pike was a council member who approved things and voted on things and did things, but wasn't running the day-to-day budgeting and how it works. And I’m not sure he really understands all that stuff.”
Pike previously served as mayor and a city councilmember in Hollister, California, before becoming an Eagle City Council member.
Pike is also a retired fire captain, which naturally draws his eyes to policing and public safety.
"I'm deeply humbled by the support in the recent election. The results, with a strong 64% demanding change, have shown that Eagle seeks a new direction — one that truly values its citizens' voice," Pike wrote in a message to the Idaho Press. "My unwavering commitment is to bring about the positive changes we need, focusing on effective planning, delivering on the needs of our citizens and improve police protection for our beloved community. The support we have received goes beyond a vote, it's a shared vision for an excellent Eagle."
Both Pike and Pierce plan to continue campaigning through November.
Former Eagle mayor Stan Ridgeway (26.5%) and five-year Eagle resident Marc Degl'Innocenti (6.6%) also challenged Pierce but did not garner enough votes to qualify for the runoff election.
CITY COUNCIL SEATS FILLED
Craig Kvamme and Mary May won the two seats on Eagle City Council, May with 25.4% of the vote and Kvamme with 23.2%.
Christopher Hadden (22%), Christina Patterson (18.3%) and Robert Imhoff (11.5%) also ran in the tight race.
For more information about the candidates visit the Idaho Press website.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
For full election results, click >> HERE <<
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