Agony, Ecstasy in Final Scores of Other Races

Though the close race between Rep. Robert K. Dornan (R-Garden Grove) and Loretta Sanchez received the lion’s share of public attention, several cliffhanger city council and school board races in the county also were settled Friday when the registrar of voters completed counting absentee and provisional ballots.

“It took way too long and it was extremely stressful,” said Yorba Linda Councilwoman Barbara Kiley, who collapsed at a council meeting Tuesday because of what her physician said was stress. She was informed Friday she had beaten opponent Robert L. Meador by 16 votes. “I blame it all on motor voter. I had never even heard of a provisional ballot before.”

“Motor voter” refers to a federal law that allows citizens to register to vote at state and local offices such as the Department of Motor Vehicles. Officials say the new option accounted for a surge in voter registration. Provisional ballots are those cast at polling places that had to be double-checked because the voter’s name did not appear on computerized registration lists.

And though he was disappointed by defeat, particularly after leading Kiley through the early returns, Meador said he was simply glad the wait was over.

“This was insane,” said Meador. “I really think they need to rethink these provisional ballots.”

The closest race, however, was for a seat on the Brea Olinda Unified School District board, where newcomer Denise Keller ousted nine-year incumbent Bernie P. Kilcoyne by only 10 votes. Neither was available for comment Friday.

The final tally was also turned in on the Lake Forest City Council race in which former Mayor Marcia Rudolph ousted Councilwoman Ann Van Haun by 67 votes.

Sean Barrett, an incumbent member of the Santa Margarita Water District board, lost by 80 votes to opponent Samuel L. Johnson.

L.E. “Slim” Terrell held on to his seat on the Anaheim Union High School District board, edging out opponent Alden E. Esping by 124 votes in the final count.