Council candidates in tight race in La Mesa – San Diego Union-Tribune

A sales tax increase in La Mesa showed signs of early support in La Mesa during Tuesday’s election amid a tight race for two open city council members.

Proposition L would extend for 20 years a ¾-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2008. The tax has been in place since 2009 and generates $12 million annually for the city.

If the proposal passes, the city’s sales tax would remain at 8.5%, with the money going to public safety, parks, recreation services, street maintenance and other services.

La Mesa receives 1 percent of the total state tax, and Proposition L would increase the city’s share to 1 ¾ percent. The ¾ cent tax itself adds 7.5 cents to a $10 purchase. No arguments have been made against the tax measure.

In the city council race, four candidates are running to fill two open seats.

San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce policy advisor Lauren Cazares and attorney Genevieve Suzuki had the most votes in the early results.

NTC Development Vice President and former La Mesa City Councilwoman Kristine Alessio was not far behind in third place, while personal trainer Shawn Townsend was in a distant fourth.

The two seats will be vacant because Councilman Jack Shu is not seeking re-election and Councilman Colin Parent is running for state Assembly.

All candidates support Proposition L, but have different priorities in serving the city.

Alessio campaigned on street maintenance, responsible development and safety as her top priorities, and Cazares said homelessness, a lack of public safety resources and street accessibility were the biggest issues in La Mesa.

Townsend saw traffic, housing, climate change and environmental degradation as his top priorities, and Suzuki campaigned on tackling homelessness and public safety.

Originally published: November 5, 2024 at 9:14 PM PST