After his victory in the general election, David further enhanced his leadership role in Kelso when he was named Mayor by his fellow council members. The mayor's role is to chair the council meetings, as well as to represent the city in various intergovernmental relationships. The selection covers a two year term.

Based on early returns, it appears David has defeated James Webb by a margin of 57% to 43%. David and the supporters of his campaign celebrated the successful conclusion together with a small event at the Backstage Cafe.

Speaking with press members during the event, David eagerly thanked his boosters. "This campaign could not have been successful without the assistance, financial contributions and moral support of everyone here tonight," said David.

While the initial results are only a portion of the total ballots cast, the Daily News has projected David as the winner of the race. For the latest results, visit the Cowlitz County Elections website.

The Daily News editor Cal FitzSimmons identified David Futcher as the "Best Candidate" of this year's editorial endorsement season in an article posted on the TDN website. FitzSimmons identified David as "smart, straight-shooting, and amazingly committed to improving his city." Any points Cal loses for not being a huge fan of David's Segway are offset by his incredible skill in ranking political candidates.

When the other side likes you, you must be doing something right. After the debate on October 17, the Daily News contacted David's challenger for comment, and he had nothing but positive things to say about David. One quote: "He's definitely an asset on the council."

Read the whole story here.

The Daily News issued its endorsement of David Futcher as the best candidate for council position 4 in Kelso's upcoming general election. This endorsement confirms the editorial board's similar endorsement in the primary election.

In making their decision, the editorial board cited David's "understanding of the many and varied issues that come before the council," adding that he has "continued to deliver strong, knowledgeable service." The board also noted that David has "worked to improve city government's responsiveness to citizens," and that he is "a councilman who is fully invested in the community."

But then, you probably already knew that. ;)

David Futcher dominated the competition in the primary, and will be moving on to the general election in November. In the results of the primary balloting released August 21, David compiled more than 46% of the vote. His total exceeded the second place candidate by more than 20 percentage points.

David's gave the following statement in response to the initial results:

"I appreciate the support the citizens of Kelso have shown in the election. I believe that while we all want to see government change and improve, the citizens have seen me as the 'agent of responsible change' identified by the TDN editorial board. In my two and a half years on the council, I've worked hard and educated myself on the issues we face. I believe the voters understand that effort and believe I'll continue to serve them well."

David also thanked those who have been instrumental in supporting and carrying out his campaign thus far. "Without the efforts of my sign committee, contributions from many community members, and all the other support I've received, I could never have reached this point. We still have a race to finish, and I won't be able to do it without them."

The Daily News editorial board today announced its endorsement of David for Kelso City Council. After meeting with him earlier in the month, the editors felt David was a "quick study" and "an agent of responsible change," admonishing Kelso voters that they "would be ill-served by putting any of his three challengers in his at-large seat."

As voters begin to receive their primary ballots in early August, the paper appears to encourage David's election not only in the primary, but also in the general election taking place in November. Interestingly, this site agrees with their assessment!

Top reasons to re-elect David Futcher to the Kelso City Council:

• Kelso faces opportunities to thrive through economic growth as the Tennant Way interchange reconstruction creates access to the large parcels south of the area. We need council members focused on enhancing development in order to take full advantage of the potential this offers.
• David takes his position seriously, and puts a lot of effort into doing his best for the citizens of Kelso. In the two-plus years he's been on the council, he's put a lot of effort into educating himself about city government and the best way to manage it. He took enough classes to earn the Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Assn of Washington Cities, and is the only sitting councilman to have done so.
• As an advisor to numerous area businesses, David knows what it takes to attract and retain jobs in our community.
• David cares about the future of Kelso. As a successful Certified Public Accountant, David is certainly not a council member for the $300/mo. salary. He has a burden to contribute to the community, and has shown that through his involvement with Kelso Rotary, CrimeStoppers of Cowlitz County, the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, and many other area organizations.

In a multi-jurisdictional summit about a possible senior/recreation center, David advised the group against shoving tax increases down the voters' throats, as quoted in this TDN article. David supports the idea of a new senior center, but not a multi-million dollar recreational facility that would compete with area businesses and the YMCA.

In September 2006, David was recognized by the national publication CPA Technology Advisor as one of the top 40 CPAs under the age of 40. David was recognized for his current leadership in the field of public accounting, and the role he appears ready to assume in guiding the profession into the future.