The pack has thinned and the front-runners are in.
Incumbent Tracy Hennes made it through Tuesday’s primary election unscathed in the Hartford Union High School school board race. One of her challengers, R.O. Dueck, was knocked out of the running after garnering just 73 votes. Hennes will face off in a general election April 1 against challenger John Klabechek, who drew 277 votes. Voters could vote for two candidates.
“That’s exciting. I’m pleasantly surprised,” she said Tuesday evening. However, she acknowledged, there’s still some work to do.
“I know I need to get my voice out there. Mr. Klabechek has been pretty vocal with his platform,” Hennes said. “I know that I have a responsibility and I plan to get my view out there.” She added that she is proud of the district’s offerings and plans for the future, and that she wanted to help plan by reminding the board to be mindful of taxpayers.
“We do need to be mindful of the impact our families have felt with changes in the economy,” she said.
Klabechek, who is running on a platform of fiscal conservatism as it concerns the school’s budget and tax bills, said he will be working hard to cut down Hennes’ lead going into the general elections in April.
“I’m looking at the totals. I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Klabechek said Tuesday evening. “I’m a little surprised it’s as wide a margin as it is.”
Klabechek said he will be making an effort to talk with voters and to emphasize his views on spending.
“If you’re looking for a common-sense conservative approach, I’m your man,” he said.