LOWER LAKE — The Konocti Unified School District (KUSD) saw six candidates vie for three open seats on the school board in the 2010 Election. Incumbents Anita Gordon and Herb Gura gained re-election while Bill Diener will be the newcomer to the governing board.
KUSD experienced 44.8 percent voter turnout with 4,634 votes cast among the 10,338 registered voters in the district. Gordon was the top vote-getter with 2,233 votes or 24.8 percent. Diener ran just behind at 23.7 percent and 2,131 votes. Gura gained re-election with 18.2 percent equal to 1,638 votes.
Gordon expressed a positive outlook for the future of the school district. “I think that the school district is headed in the right direction under the excellent leadership of Dr. Bill MacDougall,” Gordon said, “and I think that the outcome of the school board election will allow us to continue in that same direction.”
Gura said he looks forward to getting back to business. “I”m glad I won, of course,” he said. “I like Bill Diener; he was my kids” Little League coach and I look forward to working with him. I work well with Anita. We don”t always agree on everything, but she is a good, solid board member and we work well together.
Gura continued, “I think the district is in a good place right now, especially with all the budget cuts. We have a good superintendent in Bill MacDougall and the district is moving in a positive direction. I”m looking forward to getting down to work.”
Diener expressed gratitude in light of election results. “I would like to thank all the people in the community that encouraged me, supported me and voted for me. They made this a very positive experience,” he said. “I would also like to thank my wife Kari and my son Reed for their encouragement and support and for putting up with through this campaign.
Deiner continued, “My family and I enjoyed going out into the community and meeting new people and hearing their concerns. The positive feedback during my campaign was very nice. I look forward to working with what I believe will be a very positive and strong school board team at Konocti Unified School District.”
Rounding out the race for KUSD school board were Russell Kay Hunt, 12.2 percent; Lynda C. Davis-Robinson, 11.2 percent; and Philip J. Tuley, 9.9 percent.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
