Los Gatos Weekly-Times Martial arts instructor joins incumbents on LGUSD board By Michelle Alaimo Andrew Fanelli, a martial arts instructor who did not show up for a candidate forum or explain why he did not, was elected--along with two incumbents--to the Los Gatos Union School District board. Incumbent Steve Glickman took the lead early on, followed by incumbent Thomas O'Donnell. The two have a combined 22 years on the board. With 77 percent of the votes counted, Glickman had 2,933 votes, or 28.7 percent, and O'Donnell had 2,434 votes, or 23.8 percent. Newcomers Andrew Fanelli and Barry Bakken were neck and neck at first, but Fanelli pulled in front to claim the third seat in the district. Fanelli nudged out Bakken with 2,008 votes, or 19.6 percent. Bakken, a LGUSD parent, who has been active in the schools, and who currently serves as the president of the Los Gatos Elementary Educational Foundation, came in fourth with 1,607 votes, or 15.7 percent. Bakken, who would have brought a parent perspective to the board, said, "I appreciate the great effort. Let's all work together to help the board make the LGUSD the best it can be." Marital arts instructor Fanelli, who on the ballot listed his occupation as teacher, said he is looking forward to contributing to the school district. In his campaign, he expressed a concern that students have too much homework. Glickman said, "Working with and for your children is the most rewarding experience in my life. I will continue to work conscientiously to maintain our tradition of excellent public schools." Fourteen-year veteran O'Donnell, currently president of the board, said he was grateful to the voters for giving him four more years in which to serve. Stockbroker Brian Grasser, who came in last with 1,245 votes, or 12.2 percent, said that running in the election was a great experience for him. With all of the votes in, neighboring school district Loma Prieta's top vote-getter was incumbent Rick Parfitt at 107 votes, or 20.7 percent. Edward Garcia came in a close second with 105 votes, or 20.3 percent. The district must now resolve a two-way tie for the third seat. Both Tina Graham and Margaret Murphy Binter receiving 92 votes, or 17.8 percent. [ Back to Contents Page | Los Gatos Weekly-Times Home Page | Archives ] Web exclusive to the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, November 4, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.