Comments on: Thomsen, Javandel and Lieber win City Council election

By: Albany Today » Blog Archive » City of Albany suffers sharp revenue loss from recession

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:07:22 +0000

[...] The City had attempted to raise the tax rate for more revenue, but failed to get voters’ approval in the recent election. [...]

By: Albany Today » Blog Archive » Albany Today puts forward advertising plan for local businesses

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:30:09 +0000

[...] 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 [...]

By: Bill Dann

Bill Dann — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 07:08:35 +0000

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.

By: linjun99

linjun99 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:37:01 +0000

Dear David,

Yes, you are right. Thanks a lot for pointing out the mistake!

Linjun

By: David P.

David P. — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:13:53 +0000

Unfortunately, I believe that Measure EE did not pass. It required a two-thirds majority and received only 63% of the vote.

By: Brian Parsley

Brian Parsley — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:24:24 +0000

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

By: Jack Rosno

Jack Rosno — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:17:59 +0000

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.

By: Kevin G.

Kevin G. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:43:09 +0000

What great photos! This would have looked quite familiar to De Tocqueville. Small-town democracy.

By: signemattson

signemattson — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:13:13 +0000

Are these vote totals from 100% of precincts reporting?