Live Oak City Council: Baland re-elected; Ghag wins seat

Voters re-elected Gary Baland and challenger Lakhvir Ghag won a seat on the Live Oak City Council after a campaign that included as key issues commercial growth in the community and the city’s ban on medical marijuana grows.

“It’s just the overall vision for the city,” Baland said Tuesday. “People are responding to what they’ve seen done over the last four years.”

He has noted a $1.8 million grant for a new soccer complex and renovation of the train depot in town as among achievements of the city.

Ghag, a farmer and Realtor, said that “I have worked very hard to do whatever I can for this town.”

“I just try to do good,” he said. “I love this town.”

Incumbent Rob Klotz, who trailed Ghag by 75 votes for one of the two City Council seats, said of the successful challenger that “He’s a very big part of our community.”

“He’s a good man,” Klotz said.

Candidate Imelda Tejeda finished third and Jason Banks fourth.

Several office-seekers spoke about the need for more commercial development in Live Oak, whose residents they said do much of their shopping in Yuba City or Gridley.

Live Oak's measure banning medical marijuana grows spurred a sign at a home near the city post office about the City Council election. The sign said "No" to incumbents Baland and Klotz because of their support for the ban on growing medical marijuana, Klotz said.

CONTACT Ryan McCarthy at rmccarthy@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4780. Find him on Facebook at /ADrmccarthy or on Twitter at @ADrmccarthy.