CITYWIDE — A ballot measure making marijuana the lowest law enforcement priority seemed well on its way to becoming law Tuesday night nearly four hours after polls closed, county election officials said.
With just 12 precincts reporting, Measure Y had received 4,855 votes, or 62 percent of the total votes cast, well over the simple majority needed for it to pass.
A $268 million school bond known as Measure BB received considerable support as well. With 17 precincts reporting, the bond measure received 6,712 votes, or 63 percent. To pass the measure, which was supported by the Santa Monica-Malibu school board and education advocates, needed 55 percent, county election officials said.
A change to the city charter that would give the city manager the power to hire and fire City Hall’s top executives also received strong support from voters, according to early returns.
With just 12 precincts reporting, Measure U earned 5,423 votes, or 72 percent. To pass, the measure needs a simple majority vote.
While voters seemed willing to pass a bond, many were reluctant to tax themselves further, even when it came to cleaning up the beach.
A parcel tax that would generate an estimated $40 million over the next decade was on the verge of being defeated late Tuesday, with only 61 percent of the vote in favor of it, according to early election results. To become law, the parcel tax initiative, which was supported by environmental watchdog Heal the Bay and the City Council, needs two-thirds of votes cast.
A measure that would have made it easier for council members to accept gifts from those who received a benefit from City Hall also seemed headed for defeat. With 16 precincts reporting, 52 percent of voters were against Measure W.
Citing the need to repair leaky roofs, improve computer technology and replace deteriorating, 30-year-old school restrooms, the school board Aug. 3 voted to place the $268 million bond measure on the ballot.
No money would be used to pay salaries or other administrative costs, district officials said.
If approved, property owners can expect to pay an additional $30 for every $100,000 of assessed value when their property taxes are due.
The measure comes as the district completes an extensive community outreach process to develop a facilities master plan, which will drive land use in the district for the next 20 years.
School board members and other supporters believe the money is needed to prepare the district for the future, which could include the construction of new classrooms to ease overcrowding at some of the district’s largest schools, including John Adams Middle School and Santa Monica High School.
Those opposed point to two parcel taxes — Measures S and Y — already providing roughly $10 million a year for district operations, as well as declining enrollment figures as reasons not to support a new tax.
Opponents also believe money generated by the measure would not be distributed equally throughout the district, with Malibu schools receiving less. They also contend the district has been vague in terms of identifying where the money would be spent.
A district-sponsored survey conducted by an independent firm in Santa Monica found that an overwhelming majority of the 500 voters contacted said they would support a bond if the tax level stayed at or below $30.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 8, 2006. Read the original PDF.