BOARD RACE'S MARGIN SHRINKS 16 VOTES SEPARATE RIVALS IN RECOUNT.

Byline: Eugene Tong Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - A recount of a close Hart High School board race closed the gap slightly Monday between winner Gloria Mercado and candidate M. Teresa Todd, who is challenging the results of the Nov. 4 election.

Todd gained one vote, closing the gap to 16 votes separating the rivals in the continuing count, said Grace Chavez, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder's Office.

At least 15 of the 61 polling places in the William S. Hart Union High School District race had been tallied, Chavez said.

Also, at least 12 ballots were deemed ``challenged.'' They will bere-examined and counted if the intent of the voter is clear, Chavez said. Todd, who requested the recount, took third in the race for two seats on the Hart district governing panel. Incumbent Steve Sturgeon took first with nearly 30 percent, followed by Mercado with just over 20 percent. Incumbent Philip Ellis lost his seat on the board.

In calling for the recount, Todd cited a slight difference between a sample hand tally and machine results.

The effort, expected to take up to six days, is primarily financed by Todd at $2,000 per day.

Eugene Tong, [phone]

eugene.tong(at)dailynews.com