Gene Pollard of Snoqualmie is the official winner in the race for Commissioner Position 3 on the Public Hospital District 4 (Snoqualmie Valley Hospital) Board.

The hand recount of ballots, completed Tuesday, Dec. 13, resulted in one less vote for each candidate, and two more votes counted as blank. When the results were certified Friday, Dec. 16, by the King County Canvassing Board Pollard won the recount by six votes, 4,612 to 4,606. Of the 13,577 ballots cast in this race, 4,314 were blank, and 45 were cast for write-in candidates.

Pollard, sworn into office the same day, thanked those who voted for him, saying, “Our democracy clearly depends on such participation. Each vote was very important, since my final margin of victory was only six votes.”

During his campaign, Pollard has been an outspoken opponent of recent hospital board actions, including the decision to build a new facility.

“I believe the outcome expressed the concern many voters have about the management of Snoqualmie Valley Hospital. After the holidays, I may offer specific proposals to the board and public,” Pollard said.

His term on the board will take effect immediately, and continue through 2017. Meetings of the board of commissioners of King County Public Hospital District 4 are on the first Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Snoqualmie City Hall, 38624 SE River Street.