In a reversal of the November 2006 election, the sales tax
initiative Measure T was on track for a landslide victory.
In a reversal of the November 2006 election, the sales tax initiative Measure T was on track for a landslide victory.
As of press time Tuesday, all but 237 absentee and provisional ballots had been tallied, and voter turnout was around 26 percent. Of the 3,422 ballots counted, 66.25 percent of voters were in favor of the measure, with 33.75 percent of voters against it, according to the county’s unofficial tally.
Voters rejected the identical Measure R last year, 52 percent to 48 percent, but locals on both sides of the issue said the Yes-on-T campaign was better organized.
The county’s official canvass to certify the vote count must be finished within 28 days of the election.
As the early results rolled in, the mood at the Yes-on-T election party in the Broken Wing was jubilant. Local architect and Planning Commissioner David Huboi – who led both the Yes-on-R and Yes-on-T campaigns – noted that the celebration itself was a sign of how things had changed. Last year, he said the pro-sales tax campaign didn’t even bother to throw a real party.
“(This election) marks a new age for our community, with renewal of hope and vision,” Huboi said.
Hollister resident Marty Richman, perhaps the tax hike’s most vocal opponent, also acknowledged that the pro-tax forces “ran a good campaign.”
When told of the early results, Richman said he plans to pressure city leaders to show restraint when spending the projected, additional revenue of between $3.5 million and $4 million annually.
“Whether it passes or doesn’t pass, I encourage them to hold the line,” Richman said.
All but one of the voters who spoke to the Free Lance on Tuesday evening at the Dunne Park polling station were in favor of the tax hike. Most of them said they want to make sure city services, particularly the police and fire departments, don’t get any worse.
“It’s an emergency action for the moment to get us through this,” said resident William Olsen.
He added that maintaining the police department is his top concern. He has noticed fewer officers on the streets, he said.
“I mean, I kind of like not getting tickets,” Olsen said. “But Hollister does have a gang problem, and it could get worse.”
Virgie Ramos was more ambivalent in her support. She said she can see both sides of the argument, but ultimately decided to vote yes.
“I’m putting my trust in (the city council),” Ramos said. “I’m hoping they use the money in the right way, to help the city be in a better condition.”
Councilman Doug Emerson, a spokesman for the Yes-on-T campaign, agreed that the council needs to be responsible when spending taxpayer dollars.
“The city has made a critical decision about the level of service they want,” Emerson said. “From a council member’s perspective, we now need to be very prudent and responsible.”
He added that the extra tax revenue won’t start coming in until April 1, 2008, so the council should take the time to “really think through how we’re going to use this money.”
Unlike last November’s election, Tuesday’s race didn’t offer a gubernatorial contest or high-profile state initiatives. Poll workers, as well as County Clerk Joe Paul Gonzalez, said it seemed to have been “a quiet election.”
Richman said he’s disappointed that turnout appeared to be low.
“If the turnout is low and it’s a heated issue, some people who lose always feel that it wasn’t truly the will of the people,” he said.
But when Councilwoman Pauline Valdivia left the Yes-on-T celebration, turnout seemed to be the furthest thing from her mind.
“Isn’t it awesome?” Valdivia said. “I’m just full of joy right now.”
