A wide variety of issues from housing to recreation motivated residents to cast ballots Tuesday, in the final hours of the city election.
Voters were asked to choose between Mayor Sweetie Marbury, Councilor Dick White, Sean Waddell and Dave McHenry, who all are competing for two seats.
The city also asked voters to extend the 1999 half-cent sales tax that will fund the parks and recreation construction and maintenance. The tax does not expire until 2019, and a reauthorization vote would extend the tax through 2039.
Voting ended at 7 p.m., but no results had been released as of 7:30 p.m.
By 4 p.m., about 3,690 people had voted, and a steady stream of people continued to flow through the door.
For local voter Jean Gresh, making sure the parks and recreation department continues to benefit from a dedicated funding source was important.
“I really wanted to keep that half-cent sales tax going,” she said. “I feel that tax has been really beneficial for the community.”
When it came to picking candidates, their public positions on secondary housing units motivated voters.
Julie Pysklo wanted to ensure the units would be preserved. Although she didn’t want to share who she voted for, the candidates’ stance on accessory dwelling units motivated her to turn in her ballot.
“If the folks I didn’t want to win won, I would feel guilty,” she said.
Guy and Kathy Gervais supported McHenry because they felt that ADUs were a burden on the aging infrastructure. They felt he would protect the neighborhoods and be a conservative voice for the city.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
How to vote
City Hall, 949 East Second Ave., will be open until 7 p.m. Tuesday for voters to hand-deliver ballots.
All registered voters should have received a ballot in the mail.
Voters can register Tuesday at City Hall, but they should allow time for city staff to verify the appropriate paperwork.
Those who register Tuesday will receive an official ballot.
Herald Staff
