Renger edges Altmann for water board

Lee Renger The tight race between Lee Renger and Mary Altmann for a director's seat on the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District ended with Renger defeating his opponent by just 78 votes.

Renger garnered 1,591 votes while Altmann captured 1,513 of the electorate's confidence.

Of the 7,836 registered voters in the 11 Los Angeles County's precincts served by the Las Virgenes district, nearly 40 percent cast their votes.

"I'm very pleased to win, and I'll do my best to do a good job," Renger said.

Altmann, a business owner and environmentalist who lives in Malibou Lakeside, called Renger a "good man."

"I just really hope that the board just focuses more clearly on cleaning up the Malibu Creek watershed, which is in dire need of attention," Altmann said.

Renger was appointed to the board after director Vernon Padgett resigned in October 2005.

With no challenger, other directors were appointed to the board. Glen Peterson, who has served as director of Division 2 (Agoura Hills) since 1987, will return. His new term starts in January.

Jeff Smith will replace Jim Friedl, Conejo Recreation and Park District's general manager.

Mary Altmann Friedl, who was appointed to the position in December 2005 after longtime director Ann Dorgelo died, decided not to continue on the water board due to other job responsibilities.

Smith is Dorgelo's soninlaw.

Jeff Smith