Ken Frink and Victoria Smith offer a contrast for the Citrus County School Board

Ken Frink came within a few percentage points of winning outright in the August primary.

Victoria Smith had to fight with two others for second place.

Now there are both in the drain to replace the District 2 seat on the Citrus County School Board Ginger Byrantwho is retiring after 24 years in office.

Frink, a former Crystal River city manager who also served briefly on the city council, led the primary with 46 percent of the vote. However, short of needing 50% plus 1 for outright victory, he must go through a runoff in the general election.

Smith, a geometry teacher at Citrus High School, came in second with 24 percent.

Their contrasts give voters a choice.

Bryant taught young Frink, and now she is supporting his campaign.

That ends his official ties to Citrus County Public Schools. A civil engineer by trade, Frink has worked with Citrus County government and Southwest Florida Water Management Districtand was elected to the Citrus County Mosquito Control Board.

When Frink completed his tenure as City Manager of Crystal River he got married Counselor Cindy (Guy) Frink.

Frink said his experience in public office at all levels is a good fit for the School Board.

“A strong school system is not just about academic success; it’s about creating a resilient community ready for the unexpected,” he said.

Frink erect about $70,000, including $15,000 he lent to the campaign. Contributors include homebuilders and commercial developers with pending projects in Citrus County. He spent a significant part of these funds on mail, radio and newspaper advertising.

Smith’s total collection is $46,300, including $10,500 from the candidate herself.

Her support includes teachers unions in Citrus and Clay counties. Smith is a past president Citrus County Education Association.

Smith points to one clear difference: she is an educator, while her opponent is not.

“My own experience in the classroom gives me valuable insight into the needs of both students and teachers, which ensures that I can effectively advocate for policies that improve educational outcomes.”

Smith has too struggled with anxiety regarding the influence of the husband. Jimmy T. Smithformer Citrus County legislator and commissioner, known lobbying criticism in social networks from the educators themselves, whom his wife hopes to help.

In “personal history” campaign videoVictoria Smith said that although she loves her husband, he does not think for her.

“While we have a deep respect for each other,” she said, “we don’t always see eye to eye on every issue.”

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