Ken Frink definitely has a government employee resume.

Director of public works. Deputy County Administrator. Municipal director. Advise.

Now he can add “school board member.”

Frink, who was a few percentage points away from outright victory in the August primary, defeated the Citrus High School teacher. Victoria Smith for Citrus County School Board District 2.

Frink will replace the retiree Ginger Bryantwho taught a young Frink and then supported him to follow her to the school board.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that the voters of Citrus County believed in me,” he said. “I am 100% focused on the school board.”

Frink won with 60% – the 20-point difference similar to his margin over Smith in the Primary.

The victory ends an adventurous two years for Frink, who resigned as Crystal River city manager after falling in love with, and then marrying, a Council member.

Their contrasts offered voters a choice. Smith, classroom experience. Frink, government experience.

A civil engineer by training, Frink has worked with Citrus County government and the Southwest Florida Water Management Districtand he was elected to the Citrus County Mosquito Control Board.

Frink’s tenure as Crystal River city manager ended when he got married Municipal councilor Cindi (Guy) Frink.

Frink raised about $70,000, including $15,000 he loaned to the campaign. Contributors include out-of-town real estate and business developers who have projects underway in Citrus County. He spent much of these funds on mailings, radio and newspaper advertisements.

Smith’s collections total $46,300, with $10,500 coming from the candidate herself.

His support included the teachers unions of Citrus and Clay counties. Smith is the former president of the Citrus County Educational Association.

Black-smith struggled with worries regarding her husband’s influence. Jimmie T. Smith is known for put pressure on critics on social media among Citrus County public school educators.

In a “personal story” campaign videoVictoria Smith said that although she loves her husband, he doesn’t think for her.

“While we share a deep respect for each other,” she said, “we don’t always agree on every issue.”

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