SAN DIEGO (CNS) - With a growing margin of over 1,200 votes, Kristin Gaspar Monday claimed victory in her race for a northern San Diego County seat on the Board of Supervisors, over incumbent Dave Roberts.
The Encinitas mayor said Roberts congratulated her in a telephone call, making her the first candidate to defeat an incumbent on the board in 32 years.
"I'm incredibly proud of the campaign we ran and so grateful to the many people who helped me raise money, walk precincts, and put up signs and get our message out," Gaspar said.
She trailed Roberts on election night by 3 percent, but as absentee and provisional ballots were counted, Gaspar consistently closed the gap and after more than two weeks of counting, took a lead that grew to 1,242 votes after the most recent count.
"I called Kristin to congratulate her and offer my sincere help in transitioning the office to her between now and early January when she takes office," Roberts said.
He also sent an email to supporters thanking them for their assistance in helping him come close in his re-election effort.
Roberts' prospects were hurt by a scandal over the way he managed his staff. Last year, the supervisors agreed to pay $310,000 to settle claims brought by three former staffers who accused him of misusing his powers.
Four years ago, he became the first Democrat to win a seat on the board in a couple of decades.
Gaspar is the chief financial officer and business manager for Doctors of Physical Therapy, which has six North County offices.
"I ran on a platform of fiscal accountability, support for public safety, and addressing our inadequate mental health programs and exploding homeless crisis," Gaspar said. "There will be a lot of change at the county in the next four years and I'm looking forward to getting to work on those issues and make a difference for our taxpayers."
Gaspar will be sworn in on Jan. 9, and will represent a district that covers the coast from Del Mar to Encinitas, runs east through Carmel Valley and stretches along the Interstate 15 corridor between Tierrasanta and Escondido.
