1-minute voter guide: La Mesa City Council and sales tax
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Four candidates are vying for two spots on the La Mesa City Council, and voters will decide on extending a tax measure for local services.
State of play: The two seats on the five-person council are open as current members Jack Shu and Colin Parent, who's running for State Assembly, are not seeking re-election.
- The top two candidates in the at-large race will fill those seats for four-year terms.
Zoom in: The San Diego County Democratic Party has endorsed family law attorney Genevieve Suzuki and Lauren Cazares, a policy advisor at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
- Suzuki and Cazares also garnered endorsements from Parent, Councilmember Patricia Dillard, Mayor Mark Arapostathis and City Treasurer Matt Strabone. County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe endorsed Suzuki.
- The Republican Party of San Diego County endorsed Kristine Alessio, a former councilmember, small business owner and attorney who previously ran for mayor. She left the GOP in 2017, but re-registered before the 2022 election.
- Shawn Townsend, a personal trainer, is also running.
Between the lines: The official backing of their parties is advantageous in these races, not just for recognition but because it unlocks the party's campaign funds without spending limits.
- Candidates can also freely direct how money is spent on their behalf, including mailers and ads, to registered party voters without restrictions.
By the numbers: There are more than 37,700 registered voters in La Mesa, and Democrats dominate.
- 16,859 Democrats
- 9,627 Republicans
- 8,183 unaffiliated
The intrigue: La Mesa is one of nine cities in San Diego County with tax measures on the ballot.
- This measure does not raise taxes, but renews the current .75% sales tax for 20 years.
- It generates $12 million annually for city services, including maintaining parks and recreation facilities, fixing streets and 9-1-1 emergency services.
What's next: The four candidates are set to participate in a forum Thursday at 7pm hosted by East County Magazine and moderated by editor Miriam Raftery.
- It will be livestreamed on Facebook, and recorded and posted on East County Magazine's website.
Go deeper: See our full voter guide for the 2024 election here.