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Preliminary Election Night results and updates in the days that followed suggest that incumbent Danville Town Council members Newell Arnerich and Renee Morgan are poised for additional terms in their seats, with newcomer Mark Belotz in position to take the third seat on this year’s ballot.
Arnerich, Morgan and Belotz maintained their early leads as of Election Night in updated results from the Contra Costa County Elections Division on Friday afternoon, with Arnerich at 30.68% of the vote, Morgan at 30.32%, Belotz at 29% and final candidate Julia Gillette at 10%.
Tuesday marked the end of the road for the four candidates’ campaigns for three at-large seats on the council, one of which opened up due to first-term Councilmember Dave Fong’s decision not to seek reelection, with Arnerich and Morgan seeking to defend their seats.
According to the early, unofficial results, Arneich is poised to start his eighth term on the council, with Morgan poised for her fourth term. Beltoz, who currently serves on the town’s Heritage Resource Commission, is poised to begin his first term on the council and as an elected official.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust our community has placed in me to continue serving the residents of Danville,” Arnerich told DanvilleSanRamon on Friday. “My commitment to our town remains unwavering, as I work to ensure Danville remains one of the safest communities in California, maintain our debt-free status, and uphold our reputation for fiscal responsibility.”
Morgan also said she was “honored and humbled” to be elected to her fourth term on the council, and expressed gratitude to her supporters.
“This victory is not just a personal achievement,” Morgan said. “Your belief in our vision for a better, vibrant town motivates me every day. I am committed to serving our residents and I look forward to the opportunities that are ahead.”
“Throughout my time in office, I have been committed to listening to your concerns, and championing the initiatives that matter most to our town,” she continued. “Your voices have been my guiding light, and together, we are stronger. I look forward to collaborating with all of you, facing any challenges and to build on our successes. Together, we created a community that reflects our shared values and aspirations.”
Belotz and Gillette were both political newcomers in this year’s election, with Belotz garnering endorsements from Fong along with the rest of the sitting councilmembers and other prominent local officials including District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen and San Ramon City Council members Mark Armstrong and Scott Perkins. Neither candidate had responded to a request for comment as of late Friday afternoon.
“I look forward to collaborating with our newly elected Councilmember, Mark Belotz, as we work together to enhance the well-being and quality of life for all residents,” Arnerich said.
