By DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star
A newcomer to city politics was in a “state of shock” Tuesday night after it became clear she led the pack of 10 people vying for three seats on the Lincoln City Council.
In unofficial primary election results, physical therapist Jayne Snyder finished first, with 21 percent of the votes.
She had a healthy lead over the only incumbent in the race, Ken Svoboda, who finished with 16 percent of the vote, but was closely followed by newcomer Adam Hornung, an attorney.
Hornung was followed by planning commissioner Eugene Carroll with 13 percent of votes. Less than six votes separated the next finishers, Jane Kinsey and Terry Kubicek, who both garnered about 7 percent.
Those top six vote-getters advance to the May 5 general election — where three will be elected to at-large council seats.
Snyder said she was “surprised but delighted” to emerge on top Tuesday. She said the results indicate Lincolnites want the City Council to address their concerns — which she says are job creation and economic development — and want a “new voice — someone who can work together with others and not be involved in political bickering.”
Snyder is a Lincoln native with some civic experience on a parks foundation board and various trails committees.
She said she’s spent a lot of time since November studying issues, reading reports, meeting with people, attending neighborhood meetings and, in recent days, walking precincts.
The most recent state campaign spending reports indicate Snyder has raised the most money of all candidates, at $49,600 — although Hornung is following close behind with about $48,000.
Hornung has perhaps been the most visible candidate in the race — with campaign signs blanketing the city and a professionally run campaign.
Svoboda has raised nearly $36,000 but doesn’t appear to have spent much of it in advance of the primary.
“We didn’t anticipate spending a great deal,” he said. “Name recognition is what you usually have to spend money on.”
And as a council member for the past eight years, people already know him. He gave Snyder credit for “running a very good campaign” as a newcomer, but added, “the next 28 days will be telling.”
“I’m happy to be in the top six, and very happy to be in the top three,” Svoboda said.
Carroll — who has raised about $25,000 for the campaign so far — said the next month will be fast-paced and he will emphasize “jobs, jobs, jobs.” He and other candidates expressed doubt, however, that voters are very engaged in the council race yet.
“They’re worried about paying their bills right now,” Carroll said. “I think now they’ll start focusing in.”
Rounding out the field were Toberlin Burger with 7 percent of votes, Bruce Kitchen and Erin Pierson with about 4 percent, and Mike Deal with nearly 3 percent.
The winners of the general election will take council seats now held by Svoboda, Robin Eschliman and Dan Marvin.
If the primary results were unchanged in the general election, Republicans would continue to hold the majority of seats on the council. Seats are officially nonpartisan.
Svoboda and Eschliman are Republicans and Marvin is a Democrat. Snyder is a Democrat, and Hornung is a Republican.
