There were a number of surprised reactions in Pacific Grove on Tuesday night as the initial results began to roll in—primarily from the candidates themselves.
It took a moment for Amy Tomlinson, running for one of three open City Council seats, to register that she held the lead over the six other candidates. Shortly after 8pm, when she saw the first reported number—18.8 percent—she covered her mouth and exclaimed, “Really?”
“I was a bit humbled, definitely,” says the U.S. Navy Reserve officer who has combat experience and flew with the Blue Angels.
Joe Amelio walked into the semi-official election night gathering spot, Monarch Pub & Restaurant, unaware that he was in third, with 15.3 percent of the vote compared to his closest competitor, Tama Olver, who earned 12.9 percent of the vote. When informed of his position, he appeared shocked.
“I’m elated, to be honest with you,” he finally said.
The gathering at Monarch was hosted by mayoral candidate Rudy Fischer and opened to all candidates and the community. Jenny McAdams, who secured the other City Council seat, held a quieter event with family and friends. But she was equally astonished.
“I didn’t expect it,” she admits with a beaming smile. “Of course I’m thrilled.”
A lot was at stake for Pacific Grove on Tuesday night—and the field was crowded. Seven vied for the three council seats and three contended for the mayor’s position. Councilmember Bill Peake won the post handily, with 42.5 percent compared to Fischer’s 33 percent and Dionne Ybarra’s 25 percent, as of 10pm with 45 percent of votes counted.
The most contentious issue was Measure M, a citizen’s initiative that will restrict short-term rentals, prohibiting them from most of P.G. Projections show that a yes vote would cost the city coffers $1.4 million.
On Election Day, short-term rental opponents won a decisive 58.9 percent of the vote, based on early returns.
“Clearly the people who supported M had a compelling story,” explains Cynthia Garfield, a member of the City Council speaking for herself, who has campaigned strongly against M. “They were persuaded by a wish for Pacific Grove that I don’t think is feasible.”
At the same time, the public favored hiking hotel occupancy taxes from 10 percent to 12 percent, overwhelmingly approving Measure U.
“The residents feel strongly about certain issues,” McAdams points out.
Whether they won or not, the candidates were unanimous in their awe of the experience—particularly those running for the first time.
Steve Lilley, a City Council candidate, was calm waiting at Monarch for returns to come in.
“It’s different than anything I’ve done before,” he says. “Meeting people has been the best reward.”
It was a refrain one heard often Tuesday. Before the first numbers came in, they told of people the met and conversations they held with residents as they went door to door.
And when the divide caused by Measure M was mentioned, Tomlinson spoke in a room filled with competitors at Monarch.
“I don’t think it’s as dramatic as people are making it out to be,” she says.
The results are still being counted, but the city government knows for sure it will welcome a new mayor and three new council members—and face a loss of revenue from short-term rentals.
“When the new council is sworn in, we will find a way to work together,” Garfield says.