Tough Crowd

Tough Crowd: Yes on G supporters look in dismay as the polling numbers come in on Tuesday evening. Nic Coury

Voters reject Carmel Valley townhood and Salinas sales tax hike; approve Flanders Mansion sale.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

With fewer than one-quarter of Monterey County voters turning out, the Nov. 3 election reveals some general themes: Rejection of new taxes, distrust of bureaucracy and confidence in the status quo.

But several races, particularly Measure J and G, could swing as elections staff count the remaining 8,500 ballots over the next two to three weeks.

Measure G, the Carmel Valley incorporation measure, was defeated 48 to 52 percent. The loss rendered the vote for town council candidates moot, but if G had passed, the pro-town slate would have clinched it.

Measure K, the Salinas sales tax hike, was even more soundly trounced, 39 to 61 percent, leaving Salinas leaders scrambling for more public safety funding as violence mounts.

Measure I, the referendum on Carmel's historic Flanders Mansion, passed 63 to 37 percent, clearing the way for the city to sell the parkland property—unless a lawsuit gets in the city's way.

Measure J, the Pacific Grove parcel tax to support the underfunded library, is just barely trailing, with 65 percent in favor and 35 percent opposed. The measure needs two-thirds approval, or 66.7 percent, to pass.

Incumbent Judi Lehman kept her seat on the Monterey Peninsula water board, shutting out industry-backed newcomer Andew Clarke, 56 to 44 percent.

Fifteen school board and two fire district races rounded out the election. Updated results are posted to the Monterey County Elections website.