Waterford council race a close finish

WATERFORD -- The race between first-time candidate Aaron Norseen and incumbent José Aldaco for City Council remained in the balance late Tuesday night.

Norseen had 664 votes, or 27.5 percent, while Aldaco earned 798 votes, or 33 percent, with 100 percent of precincts reporting.

There are still outstanding ballots to be counted.

Councilman Mike Van Winkle seemingly secured re-election with 945 votes, or 39 percent. Mayor Charlie Goeken, who ran unopposed, maintained his seat.

Van Winkle said he looks forward to continuing his work for the city, with a focus on bringing more businesses to downtown and finishing a trail and other improvements along the Tuol-umne River.

Aldaco did not return calls for comment Tuesday night, but Van Winkle said, "I know José has a lot of supporters who voted for him the day of the election. He has a lot of strong ties to the community."

From his home Tuesday night, Norseen said, "I am anxious to find out what is going to happen, whether I am going to win. That last precinct is all we are waiting for."

Norseen said he wasn't surprised by the close race with his incumbent challenger. Norseen grew up in Waterford and has many friends and close ties to the community.

Aldaco, who is the assistant superintendent of educational services for the Waterford Unified School District, moved to Waterford in 2004.

Bee staff writer Erin Tracy can be reached at etracy@modbee.com or (209) 578-2366.