The deposit is subject to discount or even full refund after the election although full refunds are rare but possible if no one challenges incumbents and there is no election for certain seats.Herrera said there have been refunds in the past but candidates received “$12 or so, a really miniscule amount.”An earlier deadline occurred Thursday for all ballot initiatives including Santa Paula’s Measures J and K.Mayor Gabino Aguirre and Vice Mayor Mary Ann Krause wrote the arguments in favor the measures to implement a $6 a month tax each on telephone, gas, cable and electrical services totaling $24 a month per address where all the utilities are utilized.The second measure establishes a watchdog committee over spending of the utility tax – which has a five-year sunset clause - ensuring that revenues will only be used for public safety enhancements.Herrera said that the deadline for measure arguments – as of Thursday morning opposing arguments to J and K had not been received – is 5 p.m. when the arguments must be in the hands of the County Elections Division.There was about 10,300 registered voters in the last election and since the upcoming Nov. 2 General Election includes what promises to be a highly contested Presidential race, turnout is expected to be larger than the 58.3 of Santa Paulans who voted Nov. 5, 2002, Herrera noted.
Pulling papers for elective offices quiet at SP City Hall
July 23, 2004
Santa Paula News
“All’s quiet on the western front,” at least when it comes to those pulling official paperwork to run for City Council and other elected city offices, according to Deputy City Clerk Josie Herrera.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula Times“All’s quiet on the western front,” at least when it comes to those pulling official paperwork to run for City Council and other elected city offices, according to Deputy City Clerk Josie Herrera.So far only incumbent first-term Councilmen Ray Luna and John Procter have pulled papers for the Nov. 2 General Election, as well as incumbent City Treasurer Sandy Easley. Also opening is the office of City Clerk, now filled by Steven Salas who has served one-term.Elected city seats have four-year terms.“Nothing’s been returned yet,” Herrera noted.Herrera said that candidates must get signatures from at least 25 Santa Paula registered voters on the nomination documents and return them by the deadline of August 6. If an incumbent chooses not to run the deadline for the office will be extended five days.City Council service pays $300 a month plus about “$650 for their benefits if they chose to have cafeteria health benefits or take the money and put it into the retirement fund,” or just pocket it, said Herrera.The offices of City Clerk and City Treasurer also receive $300 monthly but not the benefit package.When candidates for city elected offices return their nomination papers they also must hand over a check for $500, the estimated cost for their statements to be listed in the ballot information guide.
