By BRETT CIHON

Staff Writer

Cindy Lucarelli finally captured her goal of winning a City Council seat, defeating opponent Amy Miller with 54 percent of the vote in early returns.

This year’s election marks the third time Lucarelli has run for the Port Orchard City Council.

“I’m thrilled,” Lucarelli said. “This is something I’ve wanted for a long time.”

Since the election numbers are not yet official, Lucarelli is hesitant to completely enjoy her victory just yet. She lost by a narrow margin in each of her previous attempts. In 2009, a recount determined she lost by only 12 votes.

“It’s not official yet so you can’t say for certain I’ve won,” Lucarelli said. “But it looks pretty good.”

Lucarelli plans to parlay her experience as the executive director of the nonprofit Cedar Cove Association into a productive term on the council.