11 VOTES SEPARATE 2 VYING FOR SEAT FEW BALLOTS LEFT; VOTES TRICKLING IN.

Byline: Nicholas Grudin Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Newhall Water board incumbent Randall Pfiester widened his lead Friday to 11 votes over challenger Phil Hof, and with only a handful of ballots still outstanding countywide, the election that has been too close to call for the past week appears to be settled.

If Pfiester's 952-941 victory over Hof holds up, the incumbent will be returning to the board of the Newhall County Water District to serve alongside fellow victors Lynne Plambeck and Maria Gutzeit, and returning board members Joan Dunn and Barbara Dore.

``The votes for this water district are always close,'' Pfiester said Friday after seeing the updated vote count. ``It was a little closer than I expected, but I'm glad I'll be able to be of service to the community for four more years and I look forward to the opportunities.''

Earlier this week, Pfiester's lead over Hof had dwindled to six votes, but despite Friday's setback, Hof was still holding out hope.

``Until they certify it, I wouldn't call anything done. But the odds drop as it goes,'' Hof said.

Still, with the lead at 11, Hof's supporters are encouraging him to seek a recount.

``This is a new voting system and it may have some kinks in it,'' said Lynne Plambeck, who ran on a slate with Hof and Gutzeit.

The new voting system, called InkaVote, uses ink instead of chads to denote votes.

Plambeck said the margin of error using the new system could easily be more than 11; however, election officials said there were no problems immediately reported.

Hof is still unsure about the possibility of a recount.

``I haven't decided yet. This is so close, probably close to the statistical accuracy of their count,'' Hof said.

If he wishes to file for a recount, Hof will have to file within five days of the release of the official results.

The cost of a recount would vary based on how long it takes, but would start at $2,000 for one day of counting and about $1,000 more for every day thereafter.

The other open seats on the board were secured less contentiously by Plambeck and Gutzeit.

Plambeck received the most votes in the race for two four-year seats, as she beat out incumbent Val Thomas, Hof and Pfiester for the first of the two vacancies.

And Gutzeit beat out challenger Phil Mazzio by a vote of 1,143 to 932 for a two-year seat that was vacant as well.

There are only about 20 ballots left uncounted throughout Los Angeles County, and only a handful of those are from the Newhall County Water District, election officials said Friday. The next update is scheduled Tuesday.

Nicholas Grudin, [phone]

nicholas.grudin(at)dailynews.com

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2 photos

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(1 -- color) PFIESTER

(2 -- color) HOF