Article Contributed on: 11/4/2008 3:45:45 PM
YourHub.com is reporting live from local races around the metro area. Go to
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Pam Anderson said as of Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m. everything in their possession had been counted. The Jefferson County clerk and recorder said out of 229,228 ballots sent out, they have received 197,359 ballots or 86 percent.
"We are in pretty good shape. It will be a long night and we will stay until we are done. The results will be updated on our
Web site every 20 to 40 minutes."
Anderson said casting and counting the mail ballots is a lengthy process that requires unfolding and smoothing out, which is done by bi-partisan teams of three. The tabulation, however doesn't take place until after the polls close.
Anderson said roughly 110 personnel were taking phone calls, with specialty teams ready to help out at polls if needed.
"We are a big county, so we have geographically placed judges with extra supplies and training for any backup needs."
After those ballots make it through the process,voters will have cast their choices on an educational decision that has created some excitement.
Who said the presidential ticket got to hoard all the drama?
In Jefferson County residents are being asked to vote on Ballot issue 3A, which is a mill levy override to help with operations and 3B, which relates to bonds for capital items, such as buildings, school security improvements.
Lynn Setzer, executive director of communications at Jeffco, said, "If 3A doesn't pass, we are looking at cuts, if 3B doesn't pass, the list of projects in our capital improvement plan will be put on hold.
Opponents
Jeff Sacco and
Linda Sasenick are Golden residents who have been vocal in their opposition to both ballot issues. They claim no one is holding the administration at Jefferson County School District accountable.
"They will have egg on their face whether it passes or not," Sacco said Oct. 31.
"I think the public should make an informed decision. Are they really good stewards of our tax dollars? Dr. Stevenson said she wouldn't come back after the last mill levy (in 2004) and ask for more money," Sacco said.
Sasenick wrote on YourHub.com that if 3A and 3B pass, "it increases the total school mill levy to 52.4 mills or $1,042 per year in school property taxes for a home valued at $250,000. A vote against both decreases the total school mill levy to 36.75 mills, a difference of $311 per year in school property taxes for a home valued at $250,000."
The chief financial officer at Jeffco Schools,
Lorie Gillis said "If both pass, there will be a 4.4 mill levy which would make the total tax paid for a $250,000 home $1,042, which is a school property tax or an $83 per year increase."
Gillis went on to say that a vote against both would not result in an automatic decrease in the total school mill levy. She said Sasenick's statement regarding a decrease to 36.75 mills is inaccurate.
Sacco and Sasenick further assert that if $33 million was spent to build the new Golden High school that's $25,000 per student.
Gillis said, "While there may be 1,450 students there this year, schools can last 50 years. When you consider this is an investment over time, that's a nonsensical statement."
Statements, nonsensical and otherwise are sure to be shared before and after the election.
Numbers show defeat // 9:24 p.m.
The crowd of supporters for the Jeffco 3A/3B ballot issues thins as numbers coming in show a defeat.
Stevenson wraps up as does McCain // 9:19 p.m.
As
John McCain congratulates
Barack Obama,
Cindy Stevenson hugs supporters as more people leave the supporter party for 3A 3B.
She said, "I'm disappointed. But the sun will come up tomorrow and we will continue to educate the kids. We have some hard decisions to make, but life goes on."
Guests streaming from Jeffco party // 9:07 p.m.
Jefffco board of education member
Sue Marinelli leaves the party at the Denver West Mariott. The crowd is thinning. People not connected with the race are watching sports and election news on the bar TVs.
There are probably 20 to 25 people left here that are proponents for Jeffco 3A/3B. "See you later," and "thanks a bunch" are among the comments being exchanged as people leave.
Results not promising // 8:57 p.m.
As
Lesley Dahlkemper looks at the Jeffco results, with 3A and 3B behind, people are less joyful than they were at 7 p.m. Some folks are leaving, hugging Dahlkemper.
Golden Mayor
Jacob Smith said, people are making big decisions about transforming the government and voting for
Barack Obama, but when it comes to local taxes, that must be the tradeoff. It's bad timing with the economy. The debate should be about the merits of decisions not dishonest manipulating, as in what transpired with the blue book.
Golden city councilman
Bill Fisher said, "It boils down to we can only vote for so much change. People are voting change big with the Obama vote, and being conservative on the local scene. Unfortunately, people may have to wait and see the negative impacts to understand."
Volunteer still optimistic // 8:36 p.m.
Mary McNeil, who lives in Conifer near Morrison and is executive director for the Jefferson County Administrative Association.
She said, "People have poured the hearts and souls into doing what's right for kids. My kids grew up in Jeffco schools, We're always responsible for kids, whether we have kids or not."
Superintendent not happy with early returns // 8:24 p.m.
Cindy Stevenson checks the Jefferson County Web site at 8:24 p.m. to see the results showing 3A behind, with 45.12 percent of returns at yes, but 49.79 percent at no. For 3A, a similar story with 44.04 percent yes and 48.13 percent no.
She sighed a long "Oh-kay" as she walked away.
3A supporters arrive // 7:20 p.m.
Proponents gather at the Blue Mesa Grill bar. Several Jefferson County Education Association supporters have already had their first beer.
Scott Benefield, president of the board of education and
Cindy Stevenson superintendent are here. People are wearing their bright yellow T-shirts.
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