Holden, Zimmer Win Seats on Saline School Board

David Holden and David Zimmer, the candidates who ran a joint campaign promising to tame costs in the Saline Area School District, have been elected to the Board of Education.

According to unofficial results on the Washtenaw County website, Holden received 1,748 votes. Zimmer received 1,663 votes, just 29 more than Patti Tanner, who placed third. Incumbent David Friese was fourth with 1,488 votes.

There were 13 write-in votes.

Tanner held a slight lead over Zimmer for much of the night. The final reporting precinct was the Pittsfield 8th. Zimmer received 209 votes to Tanner's 149 to win the precinct and the election.

"The students of Saline have won tonight. Now we can move forward with fixing the financials of Saline Area Schools," said Holden late Tuesday night from a party he hosted at his home. "Voters have now had three inputs. With the results of the August 2010 bond proposal, the February 2011 bond proposal and now tonight, the message from voters is clear: Fix the finances at Saline Area Schools. That's exactly what we intend to do."

Zimmer pledged to work hard for community and students at Saline Area Schools.

"I am humbled by the the decision of the voters of Saline I am looking forward to working hard every day for the citizens of the community for the children of this community," said Zimmer.

Attempts to reach Tanner were unsuccessful.

Friese thanked his supporters and the community.

"A special thanks to family and friends who supported my campaign Thanks to those who took the time to vote in my favor and finally thank you to the community for granting me the opportunity to serve in your best interest the past four years," Friese said.

Holden thanked Friese and Tanner for their service.

"I want to thank Mr. Friese for his service to the school board and for his years of dedicating time and energy on behalf of the students of Saline. And I thank Mrs. Tanner for stepping forward and trying to further the school district. We hope both will remain engaged in seeking solutions to the problems we face," Holden said. "We'll need everybody involved to solve our difficult financial dilemma. We look forward to working in cooperative fashion with all the stakeholders in the district, including our valued teachers, as we work toward fixing this difficult issue."