Instructor comes up four votes shy of city council seat, awaits recount

Just four votes separate part-time MHCC English instructor Zach Hudson from joining the Troutdale City Council, with an official recount in progress.

Final official results for the race, which drew more than 2,200 votes total, were unavailable at press time. The close margin triggered an automatic recount.

Hudson and his opponent, John L. Wilson, are vying for the sixth seat on the Troutdale City Council, as Doug Daoust vacated the seat in his successful bid for the mayoral job.

Hudson said of his decision to run, “I follow politics like other people follow sports. I also see political involvement as one way to make a positive difference in my community or in the world.”

Hudson ran for the Troutdale City Council two years ago, but ended up pulling out of that race.

“After meeting one of the other candidates, Rich Allen, I decided that he was far more qualified than I, so I endorsed him, and he went on to win,” Hudson said.

Hudson was better prepared and qualified this time, having worked on two city committees and Troutdale’s Summerfest and getting to know “various community leaders,” he said.

While resigned to a razor-thin defeat, Hudson found the effort rewarding.

“It was a great experience despite losing by four votes. I learned a lot and have gotten to know a lot of forward-thinking people who really care about their community,” he said.

Advocate Staff