South Whidbey voters sent a clear message on taxes Tuesday, approving a Langley property tax increase while narrowly accepting the need for higher gas taxes in their rejection of Initiative 912, according to early vote returns. For details, visit the Island County auditor’s Web site at www.islandcounty.net/auditor/election%20results.htm and check out the Nov. 12 issue of the South Whidbey Record for complete election coverage.
The hot race this fall has been for the Port District of South Whidbey, District No. 1 seat.
In a four-way race in the Sept. 20 primary, challenger Geoff Tapert bested incumbent Gene Sears 464 votes to 309. Early returns indicate Tapert leading in the general election as well.
Langley property tax levy
Langley residents appear to be approving a property tax levy increase to pay for city services. Early returns show the levy ahead by 72 percent in favor to 28 percent opposed.
The proposition would increase the overall property tax rate by about $0.78 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The owner of a $300,000 home would pay an additional $235 in property tax per year.
The property tax levy proposition would increase revenues for the city’s general fund. That fund pays for general government services such as police, parks and city hall.
Port race
Tapert was leading in early vote tallies with 1,787 votes to 1,401 for Sears.
Sears had campaigned on his 12-year record of service as commissioner, citing progress made on the Clinton beach project, boat launch facility at Bush Point, improvements at Possession Point and renovation of the Langley marina. Sears also stressed continued determination to provide fiscal guardianship of taxpayer dollars.
Tapert focused on the port’s potential to improve the South Whidbey economy. He also vowed to improve working relationships between the various public entities.
Clinton Water District
Voters were electing a familiar face to the board of the Clinton Water District.
Two-term incumbent Joan Nelson was leading in the race for the Position 2 seat in early returns with 154 votes to Brand’s 106.
During the campaign, Nelson stressed her 12 years of service, as well as sound financial management and improvements to ensure high water quality and quantity.
Brand offered a more proactive role for the public in the commission’s business. He also pressed for a disaster plan to handle emergencies.
Initiatives
Statewide, voters were rejecting Initiative 912 which would cut vehicle fuel taxes if approved. Most rural counties (excepting Island County) were voting in favor of the measure while King and Snohomish counties were heavily opposed. As of early Wednesday, Whidbey voters opposed the anti-gas tax — 8,267 votes to 7,980.
I-330, an initiative to limit the amount of money that can be given out to a person regarding negligent health-care services, was getting a thumbs up from voters.
If the initiative is passed, the total amount awarded for non-economic damages — such as disability or disfigurement, loss of ability to enjoy life, suffering and mental anguish — could not exceed the amount of $350,000 (with one exception for wrongful acts by persons other than health-care professionals). The initiative also shortens the time available to file cases and limits repayments to insurers and the claimants’ attorney fees.
I-336, the proposal to establish a separate medical malpractice insurance program, was behind by a wide margin in early vote tallies.
I-900, Tim Eyman’s latest initiative, was gaining approval. The initiative proposed using a percent of state taxes to conduct performance audits of state and local governments and agencies.
Voters were approving I-901, a measure to amend the Clean Indoor Air Act to include a statewide ban on smoking in public buildings and places of employment.
Senate Joint Resolution 8207, a measure to allow municipal court judges to serve on the Commission on Judicial Conduct, was also passing.
Many local elected officials were already safe in their seats before the first votes ballots were cast. That’s because a large number of candidates ran unopposed.
Langley council races
Three Langley City Council members were running unopposed. Councilwoman Rene Neff is running for Council Position 1, Doug Allerdice for Council Position 2 and Robert Gilman for Council Position 3.
Several other South Whidbey races were unopposed this fall.
Two seats on the South Whidbey Board of Education were up for reelection. Incumbent Helen Price Johnson ran unchallenged from District 3, the Clinton area, and from District 4, incumbent Jim Adsley had a solo shot at his position.
There were also three uncontested commissioner races for the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation Board; incumbent Jim Porter in Position 3; Linda Kast in Position 2, and Matthew Simms, in Position 5.
Donald Elliott ran unopposed as commissioner of Fire District 3.
Incumbents John P. Carty and Vernon A. Bacher were also unopposed in their re-election bid to the Bayview Water District,
Nolen Knickerbocker ran unopposed for the Freeland Water District.
In the Holmes Harbor Sewer District, William Smith was unopposed.
Saratoga Water District Commissioner races were unopposed; Keith Sorenson for Position 1 and Dale Boose for Position 2.
Scatchet Head Water District commissioner David Mullins and Charles Bash were not challenged for positions 1 and 3, respectably.
Holly D. Schoenknecht, Langley was unopposed for commissioner Position 1 for the Whidbey Island Public Hospital District. Incumbent Kristy Lang Miller ran against Dave E. Marshall for hospital commissioner Position 5.
Voters asked for ID
Tuesday’s election also marked the first one where voters had to present ID before getting their ballots.
Despite the growing popularity of absentee ballots across Washington, many South Whidbey residents were anxious to visit the polls personally.
People had different reasons for voting in person rather than by mail.
“I like to sign the register. I like to know I am logged in and my ballot is in the box,” said Barbara Matteson.
“It’s not that I don’t trust the post office,” she said.
For Brian McKenna it’s not as much fun to vote by mail.
“I miss the camaraderie of voting with other people,” McKenna said.
Record reporters Gayle Saran, Brian Kelly and Breeana Laughlin contributed to this report.
