Candidate for Lyon school board withdraws, endorses opponent

A chance at a good job has led Anthony Corrales to change his mind about running for the Lyon County School Board District II seat, and he has endorsed his sole opponent.

Corrales announced his desire to withdraw as a candidate, but he did so too late for his name to be removed from the ballot.

Lyon County Clerk Nikki Bryan said if he received the most votes despite his intention to withdraw, he would have to formally resign and then the school board would appoint a board member to serve until the next election in 2008.

Corrales, who was unavailable for comment, has submitted a letter to the board, thanking them for his appointment and saying with new opportunities being offered him, he did not have the time to devote to the school board. He will continue on the board until his term ends in December. He was appointed to the board in January after Lee Ann Chaffin's resignation.

He has endorsed his opponent, Joseph Slabbinck, 60, who has lived in Fernley for 18 months and has served on a school board in his native Michigan.

"I've always been interested in public education," Slabbinck said. "Both my kids are teachers, my wife is a former school secretary. I want to make sure our kids get the best."

Slabbinck said he was surprised at the withdrawal and pleased with the endorsement.

"I think the timing was somewhat of a surprise," he said. "I was very appreciative that Tony endorsed my candidacy."

Slabbinck has been touring Lyon County schools, meeting administrators and staff, and said he will continue to do that. He hopes to see every school in the district before election day.

He also said he will not stop campaigning.

"I'm just doing what I've been doing," he said. "I've been to a lot of candidates nights and tried to make myself as accessible as possible."

Slabbinck earned his bachelor's degree in history and a law degree from Wayne State University in Detroit.

He worked for Daimler Chrysler for 35 years, retiring in 2001. He also served in the U.S. Army and worked for the Interfaith Center for Racial Justice.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.