At last, the voters have the last word

By OC Tribune Staff on November 5, 2018 • ( Leave a comment )

POLLING PLACES across Orange County will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Rob Crandall photo for Shutterstock).

We’ve all been inundated with political ads in our mailboxes and TV programs. Finally, it’s the public which gets to speak.

Voters in the communities of Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Stanton and Westminster will head to the polls on Tuesday to select city councils, school boards, and legislators and decide several ballot measures.

Thousands have already cast their ballots, either by mail or at one of eight early-voting centers. On Tuesday, the local polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Among the most attention-grabbing matters on the agenda will be the battle for the 48th District Congressional seat between longtime Republican incumbent Dana Rohrabacher and Democratic challenger Harley Rouda.

That race, considered to be very close, may have a role in determining whether the Democrats will retake control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Also, Garden Grove voters will decide whether to adopt a 1-cent sales tax which could raise as much as $19 million annually.

Closely watched also will be the 34th state Senate District contest between Janet Nguyen (Republican) and Tom Umberg (Democrat), and the 72nd State Assembly District contest between Democrat Josh Lowenthal and Republican Tyler Diep.

Although not in our coverage age, Anaheim’s Measure L is of interest because it would require a minimum wage of $15 for workers at hotels where the developer has received a subsidy from the city. That wage would increase by one dollar a year until it reached $18.

The proposal had led to friction between Disney and city leadership.

Here’s a look at the ballot choices for local voters.

Garden Grove: To be chosen will be a mayor and council members from Districts 1, 3 and 4. Also, Measure 0, which will require a simple majority to pass.
Huntington Beach: Four council members to be elected (chosen at large) and a city attorney.
Stanton: A mayor to be elected, and council members from Districts 1 and 3.
Westminster: A mayor to be elected and two council members (chosen at large).
Garden Grove Unified School District: A board member from Area 4.
Huntington Beach Union High School District: Three board members to be elected.
Huntington Beach City School District: Three board members to be elected.
Ocean View School District: Three board members to be elected at large.
Westminster School District: Board members from Areas 2 and 5.