By Wendy Osher

The third place finisher in the primary race for Mayor has announced his support for one of the candidates advancing to the general election in November.  Retired electrical contractor Randy Piltz, who was among the 11 primary candidates in the crowded race for mayor, is now backing Alan Arakawa saying his beliefs and philosophies are most aligned with the former mayor.

Arakawa (left) and Piltz (right). Courtesy photo.

“We both share the same visions for the County of Maui and I am now convinced that the road to a brighter future for our county begins with the election of Arakawa as our next mayor,” said Piltz in an announcement released by the Arakawa campaign.  Piltz said his supporters believe Maui County must take on a new direction to ensure economic recovery.  “It is for this reason that I ask them to continue to support this new direction by supporting for Alan Arakawa in this general election,” said Piltz.

Pitlz earned 5,602 votes in the primary or about 19% of the votes cast.  The top two vote-getters, incumbent Mayor Charmaine Tavares (with 7,307 primary votes or 25.4% of the votes cast) and former Mayor Alan Arakawa (with 7,039 primary votes or 24.4% of the votes cast) meet up on November 2^nd for the General Election.

An announcement says Piltz’s decision comes after numerous meetings with both Arakawa and Tavares held after the primary election.

Arakawa said Piltz’s influence is substantial as evidenced by the number of votes he received in the primary.  “I am most pleased with my meetings with Randy and valued the opportunity to discuss our platforms which revealed tremendous similarities in our philosophies,” said Arakawa.