Incumbents, Newcomers Vie for Seats in Local Elections

By Ruth Lepper

Ramona voters will decide on eight seats for the local planning group and a new director for the water board at the Nov. 2 general election.

There will not be an election for the school board, because the exact number of candidates filed for the two open seats. Only one person filed for each of the seats in two of the five divisions on the water board. Candidates are automatically seated when there are not enough contenders to hold an election.

Ramona Community Planning Group serves as an advisory panel for the county Board of Supervisors. Eight seats are open, with nine candidates running. The main concerns facing the candidates are increasing traffic congestion in Ramona, planned growth and development, and having sufficient water to meet the needs of the community.

The incumbents are Angus G. Tobiason, L. "Dutch" van Dierendonck, Chris Anderson and Andrew Simmons. Candidate Vivian D. Osborn previously served on the board. Newcomers in the election are Luauna Stines, Carolyn A. Dorroh, Helene E. Radzik and Amanda Troiano.

Meetings are at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Ramona Community Center, 434 Aqua Lane. Planning group members are not financially compensated for their services.

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Ramona Municipal Water District serves 9,200 customers. The board is represented by five divisions, each with a comparable number of constituents. Board members serve four-year terms and receive $100 for each board meeting they attend.

The two candidates running for Division 5, representing the eastern portion of San Diego Country Estates, are Everett G. "Red" Hager Jr. and Joseph Cahak, both in their first bid for public office.

They have expressed concerns over water availability, wastewater treatment and overall infrastructure, among other issues.

There will not be an election for Divisions 1 and 3 seats, because the incumbents are unopposed. Kit Kesinger will retain his seat in Division 1 and Robert Krysak will continue in Division 3.

Water board meetings are at 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Ramona Community Center, 434 Aqua Lane.

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Ramona Unified School District will see Bob Hailey remain on the board of trustees, joined by newcomer Christopher M. Smith. Their names will not appear on the general-election ballot.

Monthly meetings are usually at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the district office, 720 Ninth St.