Jim Cooper had a comfortable lead over his opponent, Brian Tomlinson, Tuesday night, and likely is the next Olympia City Council member to hold the Position No. 7 seat.

Cooper said he was pleased to have run a clean campaign and looks forward to working with the other council members “to make Olympia the best capital in America.” He also pointed out that his election-night party took place with candidates from Lacey and Tumwater.

“I’m looking forward to raising the bar for regional cooperation,” Cooper said.

Tomlinson said he was glad he got a chance to share his campaign message of community, unity, partnership, family values and the spirit of collaboration.

“I wish him the best of luck, and I’ll know he’ll do just fine,” Tomlinson said of Cooper.

Cooper, 36, is the executive director of Together, a local nonprofit that works to prevent youth substance abuse and violence. He is the former chairman of the Thurston County Democrats, endorsed by many of the major political figures in the county.

Tomlinson, 56, is an information technology professional who runs two businesses and works for another. He did not accept donations from special interest groups and largely funded his own campaign.

Cooper will serve what remains of the term – a little more than two years. Former Councilman Joe Hyer resigned in 2010, and the council appointed Steve Langer to replace him. Langer is running for Position 2 to replace Councilman Craig Ottavelli, who isn’t running for re-election.

Rolf Boone: 360-754-5403

rboone@theolympian.com