Democratic candidate Ken Ulman appeared poised to win the seat over Republican Chris Merdon.
“All the numbers aren?t in, but everything we?ve seen certainly looks great,” Ulman said at Kahler Hall in Columbia Tuesday night.
Ulman led by 5,470 votes with 66 out of 106 precincts reporting, according to the unofficial results from the state board of elections.
Ulman credited Merdon and independent candidate Stephen Wallis for running “great races,” and directed to Merdon: “I have a lot of respect for you and the job you?ve done.”
The race centered on growth and the development of downtown Columbia, as well as zoning and affordable housing issues.
During his campaign, Merdon, who served two terms on the council, proposed plans to provide the county?s freshmen with lap top computers and control growth. He also had plans for promoting green policies and reminded voters that he co-sponsored the senior tax cut.
Several prominent Democratic and independent activists, as well as former Democratic primary candidate Harry Dunbar, endorsed Merdon.
Council Member Ken Ulman, D-District 4, promised to reduce the waiting lists for before- and after-school programs and proposed a 14-story height limit on buildings in downtown Columbia.
Wallis, principal of Harpers Choice Middle School, waged a grass-roots campaign and had 2,269 votes.
Part of the Baltimore Examiner’s 2006 election coverage
