McDermid wins over Democratic challenger

Republican Nancy McDermid, 63, took a commanding lead over Democrat

Greta Hambsch early in the District 4 commission race, taking 64

percent of the vote, or 11,375 over Hambsch's 6,629 votes.

McDermid said she felt it was a good campaign and she was thankful for

all the support.

"I couldn't have done it without a lot of help," she said. "People have

been very supportive and I'm very grateful."

McDermid said the perspective she's gained through her experience on

the planning commission will be an asset as she moves into this new

role.

"I believe that experience will be very beneficial, especially after

I've completed 18 months working on the master plan update," she said.

"I consider myself a representative of the people. It's not what I

want, but what the people want."

McDermid said she is a consensus builder and knows how to work as a

team member.

"Some are concerned about the direction of the board," she said. "I

think we can get moving in a positive direction."

McDermid, who has been actively involved with the planning commission

since her appointment in 2002, has been chairman of that body for a

year.

Originally from Wichita Falls, Tx., she holds a bachelor's degree in

history and poilitical science from Midwestern State University in

Wichita Falls. She earned a master's degree in public administration

degree in environmental management from Golden Gate University in San

Francisco, Calif.

She is a board member of the Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation

and a member of the TRPA Pathway 2007 Socio-Economic Commission.

She has been married to husband Charlie for 12 years and their family

includes five grown children.

In her spare time, she enjoys golf, working in her garden adn her 10

grandchildren, aged 1 to 24 years.

Hambsch, 50, said she was running in part because she felt Douglas

County needed a Lake Tahoe representative during the development of the

Lake's regional plan.

A Lake Tahoe businesswoman, she has been active in public affairs,

serving as president of the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, the

Tahoe Tallac Association, Heavenly Ski Foundation and Whittel High

School Boosters' Club.