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Utility race decided by fewer than 100 votes

Andy Bourelle

Mary Lou Mosbacher, who was elected for the third time Tuesday to the South Tahoe Public Utility District Board of Directors, said she said she’s looking forward to serving her constituents another four years.

“I’m very pleased,” Mosbacher said Wednesday. “I worked really hard, and I’m glad that paid off. I think it will be a great four years. I’m looking forward to having as much fun in the next four years as I’ve had in the past.

“I like the work. I’m excited about it, and I think it will be great for the community.”



Mosbacher defeated Joyce Blackstone for the seat by less than 100 votes. Her other challenger, Mark Witters, had publicly asked people not to vote for him and support Blackstone.

Mosbacher had 46.6 percent of the vote. Blackstone had 43.8; Witters had 9.5.



Mosbacher garnered 1,543 votes compared to Blackstone’s 1,452 and Witters’ 316.

The El Dorado County registrar of voters should have an official, certified count by next week. An estimated 27 percent of those registered voted: 3,622 of 13,298 registered voters.

The incumbent said she congratulated her challengers’ efforts and hopes both stay involved in STPUD issues.

“When more people in the community get involved in the community, it can only be good,” Mossbacher said.

Blackstone, who walked door to door on weekends and telephoned people on weekdays to get her message out, said she was disappointed but proud of her efforts.

She said South Shore’s U.S. Postal Service erred by not putting her brochures in many residents’ boxes until the afternoon of the day of the election.

“There was a glitch in the post office, and I think the outcome would have been different if the voters had received my message in a timely manner,” Blackstone said.

She said she isn’t upset with the results but “disturbed” by the Post Office. She has filed a complaint with the agency.

“Most of all, congratulations to Mary Lou,” Blackstone said. “She won fair and square. It was a good race, and I’m proud of what I did.”

Witters is the owner of the Meyers Shell gasoline station and is being sued by STPUD. Last month, he announced he wanted to withdraw because of a potential conflict of interest and the lack of time to serve. He asked his supporters to vote for Blackstone.

But it was too late for his name to be taken off the ballot.

Mosbacher was appointed to the board’s No. 3 seat nine years ago and, prior to this week’s election, had twice been elected, facing challengers both times.

STPUD seat No. 4 had been up for election this year, but incumbent Duane Wallace was unopposed and will fill the position.


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