Thomsen, Javandel and Lieber win City Council election
Peggy Thomsen led the City Council race with 2,968 votes, Farid Javandel ranked second with 2557 votes, and Robert Lieber followed with 2446 votes, according to the Registrar of Voters of Alameda County. The other three candidates all got more than 2,000 votes, but failed to be elected.
The controversial Measure Y, which asks for direct election of mayor, failed with 2,853 voters said no to it, while a significant minority, 2,512 residents voted for it.
A majority of voters also disapproved Measure DD, which asks for an increase of property transfer tax. Measure EE, through which Albany Fire Department seeks further funding for replacing paramedic fire engines, did not pass, either.
Voters approved all the other four local measures, however. With the passage of Measure BB, City Councilmembers will be able to receive a monthly salary of $300, instead of the current $10. Approval of Measure AA gives the City Council more flexibility in deciding the bidding process for public projects. Measure CC allows the Council to make changes on meeting times, and Measure Z enables a smooth transition of membership in commissions and similar bodies.
Candidate Nick Pilch received 2,278 votes, Leo Panian received 2,187 and Ellen Toomey 2, 107.
Click here to view more voting results.
Photos by Jessica Peckham, student at Albany High School, and Linda (Linjun) Fan. Kyle Kubler at Albany High School contributed to the story; special thanks to Ned Purdom, instructor of the Journalism Program at the high school.
Are these vote totals from 100% of precincts reporting?
What great photos! This would have looked quite familiar to De Tocqueville. Small-town democracy.
Now that all the votes are in and counted (less a few strays), it would appear that
Mr. Lieber’s popularity has waned a bit!!!!!!!!!! Fortunately his self-serving
“elected Mayor” measure failed. It is hoped that our next appointed Mayor will
be a little less arrogant and more responsive to the general public.
These are the results as of today with 100% of the precincts reporting. I believe this also inculdes abesentee’s as well.
Members of City Council – Albany
Vote for no more than Three (3)
Total Precincts: 13 Precincts Reported: 13 Percent Reported: 100.00
Contest # of Votes % of Total
NP – Peggy Thomsen 2968 20.38
NP – Farid Javandel 2557 17.55
NP – Robert Lieber 2446 16.79
NP – Nick Pilch 2278 15.64
NP – Leo Panian 2187 15.01
NP – Ellen Toomey 2107 14.47
Write-in 23 0.16
This is from the Alameda County Registrar of Voters
Unfortunately, I believe that Measure EE did not pass. It required a two-thirds majority and received only 63% of the vote.
Dear David,
Yes, you are right. Thanks a lot for pointing out the mistake!
Linjun
Seems a shame that EE did not pass by the required 2/3, which would have continued Albany’s support for our fire department emergency response for a mere $12 per year at $1 per month (less than a donut–with sprinkles on top!). And then, it would not have started taking effect for a couple more years.
That’s part of what makes Albany so special: responsive fire and police departments.
Similarly, not passing the property transfer tax is short-sighted, as that is payable only when a property is sold; ie, when people or businesses are moving out of town!
The race track GGF could very likely be sold (yet again) in the near future. The last time when Ladbroke sold to Magna Entertainment in the 1990’s, the new owner was able to reduce taxes on the increased value of the property by keeping two of the parcels as Ladbroke Holdings–this maneuver was allowed by a compromise when Prop 13 was passed years ago.
So, Albany will miss out on some needed revenue when and if the race track is sold, the likelihood which is inversely proportional to Magna’s declining financial status (see the latest financial reports for stock symbol MEC — $0.14 per share).
Even more ominous, according to the November 6 “Daily Racing Form,” MEC has hired a bankruptcy firm to advise it through its financial travails.
[...] activities, in-depth probing into various issues of public concern, and comprehensive reporting on the recent election. It serves also as a forum for members of the community to express their opinions and listen to [...]
[...] The City had attempted to raise the tax rate for more revenue, but failed to get voters’ approval in the recent election. [...]