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By The Madera Tribune - Kristin Berquist

Coalinga voters ousted incumbent Mayor Trish Hill from the city council late Tuesday.

With five candidates vying for two open seats on the council, Hill finished fourth, trailing newcomer Kelley William Bourdeau, incumbent Ron Lander and Tito Balling. Kathy Merithew finished in fifth place.

Bourdeau led with 30 percent and Lander followed with 26 percent of the votes. Balling had 20 percent, Hill had 15 percent and Merithew had 9 percent.

Hill was running for a second term on the city council after being elected in 2004 and becoming mayor in 2006.

Bourdeau, a certified public accountant, emphasized his financial background to campaign for a spot on the council, focusing on the economic development of Coalinga.

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