RIPON – One incumbent and a pair of newcomers will make up the new Ripon City Council.
They’re the top three vote-getters in the Nov. 6 election.
Of that, Mayor Elden ‘Red’ Nutt led the way with 3,050 votes, finishing ahead of retired Ripon Unified superintendent Leo Zuber, who was second with 2,710 votes. Local businessman Jake Parks was third, collecting 2,418 to edge out retired police officer Scott Lindsay (2,226 votes).
Incumbents Garry Krebbs (2,049) and Charlie Gay (1,831) along with youth sports coordinator Robbie Orlando (1,103) rounded out the voting.
Those figures were based on the final tally offered up by the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters office in Stockton.
Council, at today’s 7 p.m. open session, will make it official, certifying and declaring Nutt, Zuber and Parks to their elected posts.
Another matter at hand will be that of compensation and benefits. Council members, as elected officials, receive up to $1,366 monthly for their health insurance through the city along with their monthly salary, according to Councilman Chuck Winn.
He’s scheduled to again request that his colleagues sacrifice their perks.
“Since the previous council was reluctant to discuss the subject, I am sure the new council (members) would like the opportunity to state their position on the issue for the record,” Winn said in his letter to the council. “Additionally, they will have the opportunity to modify, suspend or reduce the benefit dependent of their position on this matter.”
He pointed to the nationwide debate on tight financial times, adding that “government at all levels should carefully assess the expenditure of taxpayer funds to ensure the money is spent for the maximum benefits of its constituents.”
Winn is the only council member not receiving the health plan. He relies on benefits from his retirement package made possible from over 30 years of service in the California Highway Patrol.
“Therefore, I believe the average taxpayer is entitled to know why their elected representatives deserve these benefits,” he said.
This item and others will take place in the Council Chambers at Ripon City Hall, 259 N. Wilma Ave.
For more information, call 209-599-2108 or log on to www.cityofripon.org.
