(UPDATED) – 9:10 a.m. – It appears to be a commanding win for Jeff Lee in his bid to become the Grover Beach Mayor. Lee has 52% of the vote over Debbie Peterson who has 36%. Elizabeth Doukas has 13%.
However, as Peterson is half way through a four-year term on the City Council, she will retain her council seat. Lee has served two consecutive terms on the City Council.
Both Measure L and Measure M have passed.
(ORIGINAL STORY) Voters in Grover Beach selected a new mayor and city council members on Tuesday.
Three people were running for mayor — city council members Jeff Lee and Debbie Peterson, as well as Liz Doukas. Early returns show Lee leading with 51 percent of the vote. Peterson has 35 percent and Doukas has 13 percent.
Three people were also running for two seats on the city council. Incumbents Barbara Nicolls and Mariam Shah are currently leading with 39 percent and 33 percent of the votes respectively. Robert Robert has 26 percent.
Voters also had two measures to consider.
Measure L would increase the hotel tax from 10 to 12 percent to help pay for services such as police and fire, street repair, and parks maintenance. It appears poised for passage with “yes” votes totaling nearly 77 percent.
Measure M would increase the cost of the annual Business Tax Certificate to help pay for the same types of services. It appears that measure will also pass with nearly 63 percent “yes” votes.
