Challenger Robert Scattini has unofficially unseated incumbent
Peggy Corrales in the race for Hollister City Council District
2.
Challenger Robert Scattini has unofficially unseated incumbent Peggy Corrales in the race for Hollister City Council District 2.
With only 10 provisional ballots left to be counted this morning, County Clerk John Hodges said Scattini’s lead was 19 votes and that he was “99.9 percent sure” Scattini has won the election.
“I’m pretty doggone sure,” Hodges said this morning, “unless there’s a surprise in the box or ballots missed.”
He said the county cannot certify the results until the canvassing process is completed in another week. In that time, the county hand-counts and verifies ballots from random precincts.
The outcome of the District 2 race was unofficial even after all precincts had reported after Tuesday’s election. Scattini’s lead over Corrales was a mere four votes Wednesday morning, but 2,128 provisional and absentee ballots had not been counted then.
“I’m kind of anxious,” Scattini said. “I know it’s not going to be an easy job. The people are watching over me and the City Council.”
Scattini said the two-day wait was no problem because he has experienced so many elections as county marshal.
“It was kind of nip-and-tuck all the way,” he said. “I have nothing bad to say about Peggy.”
Scattini said the race signaled that residents of District 2 want change.
“We have a steep hill to climb,” he said.
Corrales could not be reached for comment by press time today.
Hodges said his staff appropriately handled the urgency of the close race.
“It’s been a smooth race, as far as no hitches or glitches,” he said.
Corrales’ campaign for re-election was affected by publicity over the Council’s problems with wastewater issues. Many residents also said she promoted city growth at the wrong times.
Scattini’s background includes more than three decades in local law enforcement and consistent involvement with city issues, including a seat on the Airport Advisory Commission.
