On Nov. 26, Lake County Registrar of Voters Diane Fridley released the results of the final ballot tallies for all of the candidates in the Nov. 4 general election. With 55.8 percent of the vote, Jim Steele has been elected as District 3 supervisor. In response, Steele issued the following statement.

With gratitude and humility, I am pleased to announce victory.

After a long and, at times, difficult campaign I am eager to take on the challenges ahead.

It will take time to advance the causes we campaigned for, including those begun by the good work of Supervisor Denise Rushing.

I hope to bring a strong voice fueled by the force of engaged individuals and groups united in common cause to help shape the decisions for thriving communities and a healthy natural environment.

In the four years ahead, I look forward to working with all interested parties to achieve mutual goals that ensure a bright future for everyone that calls this beautiful county home. 

As with most endeavors, it is the efforts of many that truly make a difference and I offer my sincere thanks to District 3 voters and the great people who helped with my campaign to make District 3, the lake and the county the greatest in the state. 

Going forward we need to improve protection for the lake from invasive species, reduce the nutrient input fueling cyanobacteria blooms, improve the business atmosphere along the Highway 20 corridor, reduce domestic water costs and continue to make Lake County a destination for visitors as well as a wonderful place to live.

These critical goals will help shape the programs necessary to meet the many and diverse needs of our communities. 

I hope everyone will stay engaged in shaping the path outlined in our campaign to represent District 3 and Lake County for the next four years.

There are still a few official steps to be taken before I am sworn in and begin service as District 3 supervisor on Jan. 9, 2015.

In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at 707-295-6198 if I can be of service.

Jim Steele lives in Clearlake Oaks, Calif.