Bolin leads town council race

Other incumbents trail

In the first election since the 2018 Camp Fire, 13 people vied for three open seats on the Paradise Town Council on Tuesday night.

It was a good night for incumbent Greg Bolin, but not so much for fellow incumbents Melissa Schuster and Michael Zuccolillo.

Bolin is leading with 1,299 votes (14.73 percent) of the votes, but Schuster and Zuccolillo trail in the vote tally to retain their seats. Political newcomer Rose Tryon is second with 1,218 votes (13.81 percent) while Steve “Woody” Culleton is third with 1,063 votes (12.05).

“I am always humbled that the people of Paradise put that much trust in me and excited to be apart of our town’s future at such a crucial time,” Bolin said about having the lead. “Very appreciated.”

Culleton also thanked the voters for, at this point sending him back to the council.

“I am excited that the community trusts me to help guide us in rebuilding our town,” he said, knowing he was in third. “I pledge to be the citizens representative and their voice in the decision making going forward.”

Luke Bellefeuille was fourth with 836 votes. Schuster finished fifth with 822 votes (9.32 percent) while Zuccolillo was seventh with 543 votes (6.16 percent). Julian J. Martinez is sixth with 594 votes (6.73). Following Zuccolillo in order are John Gillander 475 votes (5.39 percent), Sam J. Gronseth 454 votes (5.15 percent), Greg Mowers 420 votes (4.76 percent), Steve Oehler 412 votes (4.67 percent), Warren Bullock 465 votes (4.14 percent), and Rachelle McCann 319 votes (3.62 percent).