South County voters could decide fate of the controversial
half-cent sales tax measure
Morgan Hill – A school parcel tax worth $7.9 million and a four-way race for the Santa Clara Valley Water District hang in the balance in the June 6 primary election.
Measure E proposes the multimillion-dollar parcel tax to fund the Morgan Hill Unified School District and requires a two-thirds vote to pass.
The four-way race for Santa Clara County Water District One Director includes San Jose State University Professor Ram Singh; incumbent District One Director Rosemary Kamei; retired engineer B. Terry Mahurin; and rancher John Baird.
The five-member water board sets policy for the Santa Clara County Water District, which is charged with watershed stewardship, flood control and ensuring cities have enough safe drinking water.
Another local item, Measure H, would expand the allowed uses at Cochrane Plaza shopping center to allow grocery supermarkets. Morgan Hill City Council member Greg Sellers recently said he does not see Measure H as a contentious issue. He said expects it to pass.
While San Jose holds a primary for its city council election, Morgan Hill’s much smaller body of voters will have to wait until November to make city-government decisions here.
Two of the city’s four council seats, along with the mayor’s seat, are up for grabs on November’s ballot. So far, council member Greg Sellers and longtime local resident Alex Kennett have announced plans to enter the council race. Outgoing council member Steve Tate is running for mayor. He won’t be opposed by Mayor Dennis Kennedy, who is stepping down after five terms.
Historically, voter turnout usually does not top the 50 percent threshold in primaries.
But a strong turnout from South County voters on Tuesday could make or break Measure A, a controversial half-cent sales tax for Santa Clara County, said San Jose State University political scientist Larry Gerston.
“A number of people assume there’s not much interest in Gilroy and Morgan Hill in Measure A, because they assume money would go to BART,” Gerston said. “So if the election is close, a solid vote from South County could be the deciding factor.”
The Measure A tax would help plug a $120 million budget shortfall and would expire after 30 years.
Statewide, Gerston said turnouts could decide the democratic nomination for governor and the outcome of Proposition 82.
“The larger the turnout, the more likely (State Treasurer) Phil Angelides will win, because organized labor supports Angelides and a large turnout would demonstrate their ability to mobilize voters,” he said. Conversely, a small turnout next week would favor Angelides’ main challenger, Controller Steve Westly, Gerston suggested.
The winner likely faces Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in November’s general election.
Proposition 82 proposes universal preschool programs throughout California paid for by levying a 1.7 percent income tax on individuals earning more than $400,000 and couples earning more than $800,000.
A big voter turnout, Gerston said, would help the preschool legislation pass, because more people of “lesser means” would be voting to ensure a service that would benefit them and cost them nothing.
“There are some key issues on the ballot,” said Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters spokeswoman Elma Rosas, adding she hopes Measure A and the countywide district attorney’s race bring more voters to this year’s primary.
Other issues on Tuesday’s ballot include:
- Santa Clara County District Attorney race. It’s a four-way scramble with no incumbent. George Kennedy is retiring after serving four four-year terms as district attorney. Candidates are Superior Court Judge Dolores Carr, Assistant District Attorney Marc Buller, Deputy District Attorney Jim Shore and Chief Deputy District Attorney Karyn Sinunu.
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Propositions 81 authorizes the sale of $600 million in bonds to pay for construction and renovation of public libraries.
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California Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell — a proponent of the high school exist exam — is facing four challengers in his re-election bid: Daniel Bunting, Sarah L. Knopp, Diane A. Lenning and Grant McMicken.
Tools for Voters
Voters confused on where their polling place is can easily find out by visiting www.sccvote.org and typing in their addresses.
Those too busy to make it to the polls can use absentee ballots and early voting as options.
Early voting is possible by visiting the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters at 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose.
The registrar is open 8am to 5pm. Monday through Friday, and this weekend, June 3 and 4, from 9am to 3pm.
Absentee ballots are available online or in person at the registrar and must be received by elections workers by 8pm June 6. There is no exception for ballots postmarked June 6 or earlier.
Tony Burchyns covers Morgan Hill and Santa Clara County for The Times. Reach him at (408) 779-4106 or tb*******@mo*************.com.
