Story updated at 1:55 p.m. Nov. 15, 2012
After a close race, Steve Danon has conceded to Dave Roberts in the race for 3rd District county supervisor, according to a written statement released Thursday.
Though the Nov. 6 election indicated that Roberts narrowly won, both candidates had been waiting for the San Diego County Registrar of Voters to tally provisional ballots. The latest results show Solana Beach City Councilman Roberts leading by about 2,800 votes, which is 50.81 percent of the total vote. Danon, the chief of staff for Congressman Brian Bilbray, has 49.19 percent of the vote.
“As votes continue to be tallied, it is clear that the people have made their decision, and so today I have congratulated Dave Roberts for being elected the next San Diego County Supervisor," Danon stated.
"I wish the best to the man who was formerly my opponent, and I ask all San Diego County residents to join me in supporting the incoming supervisor so that our region remains one where families can thrive, businesses can flourish, and government keeps its place as a small but transparent supporter of our quality, of life.”
The 3rd District seat is being vacated by Pam Slater-Price, retiring after holding the post since 1995. The district stretches from Encinitas to Escondido and includes some areas of northern San Diego.
Roberts is the first Democrat to be elected to the Board in 19 years and is the first openly gay member to serve.
“I believe I bring new diversity to the board," Roberts said during a Nov. 7 rally to thank his campaign volunteers.
During that same rally, Roberts called his victory over Danon “a David and Goliath story.”
“We began almost three years after my opponent and we caught up in just ten months,” he said.
On the campaign trail, Roberts said once elected he would form an office of small business development to give incentives to small businesses to help in job creation.
On Thursday, soon-to-be colleague Supervisor Dianne Jacob said:
Congratulations to Dave Roberts on his election victory! I’m sure his extensive experience in local government and in the private sector, including his background as a financial manager, will be invaluable as we continue to look for ways to improve how we do the public’s business. Dave brings his own fresh perspective to county government, and that’s always healthy for a public agency and good for taxpayers. I look forward to working with Dave as we move forward to make our county government the best that it can be for the people we serve.
