As County Election Certification Moves Closer, Gillette Gets a Handful More Votes

Way back on Nov. 2, before our days became much shorter and cooler, there was an election in Thousand Oaks between 13 candidates who wanted 3 City Council seats. If one was to try to recall that day so long ago, one might remember there were 3 long-term incumbents battling against 10 determined challengers. Council member Claudia Bill-de la Pena easily won her third term with the most votes. Though the election has yet to be certified, she is by far the lead vote getter with over 20,000 votes counted.  It looks certain that Mayor Pro-Tem Andy Fox secured his 5th term by winning second place with almost 17,000 votes. What is yet to be determined is that third seat with Mayor Dennis Gillette seeking his 4th term and challenger Al Adam trying to get in the door for the first time. Right now Dennis has pulled slightly more ahead in the close race with a 129 vote lead. It feels sorta like watching two men arm wrestle. One fist almost goes down on the table, no wait, he's gritting his teeth, there's perspiration on his brow, the arm is coming up again...