Kinsey Off to Strong Start in District 4 Race

It's looking like Steve Kinsey will continue to represent West Marin on the Marin County Board of Supervisors based on early returns Tuesday night from the primary election.

With about 17 of 32 precincts reporting, the incumbent in District 4 had an encouraging lead over Corte Madera Vice Mayor Diane Furst, 59.3 percent to 40.5 percent.

"It's a good start, but it's just a beginning," Kinsey said at about 9:15 p.m., when his lead was more lopsided. "I have nothing ready to say just yet other than it's a good start."

Kinsey, a Forest Knolls resident since 1978, is president of the board of supervisors this year and its most senior member, gained about 3,000 more Novato residents in his district in September 2011 following an evaluation of 2010 U.S. Census data. Judy Arnold, the supervisor for District 5, subsequently had 3,000 fewer Novato residents in her district.

Kinsey's district includes western Novato, all of West Marin, Corte Madera, Homestead Valley, San Quentin Village, and parts of San Rafael and Larkspur.

Kinsey campaigned on a platform of sound fiscal management, transportation leadership, coastal protection and restoration, sustainable agriculture, responding to climate change and prioritizing safety net services for at-risk residents.

On a topic of keen interest throughout the county — future housing allotments — Kinsey said he is an advocate of local control and limiting development to maintain community character.

Furst, an eight-year Marin resident, has a background in finance, accounting and economics. She took a firm stand against regional housing mandates and campaigned actively on a community-based approach to the controversial issue of future planning. 

In a conversation with Larkpur-Corte Madera Patch, Furst was talking like changes are coming to Marin no matter what happens at the polls.

"I think my participation in the campaign has changed the dialogue (in Marin) a bit," Furst said with a smile.