Incumbents sail to victory in Seaside council races, and voters approve a fireworks ban.

Minutes after 8pm on Tuesday, Nov. 5, Seaside City Councilmember Alex Miller thrust a fist into the air.

“Yes,” he exclaimed. “We’re up 300 votes. Pop the Champagne, spray it all over the house.”

The house was not his. But the issue – Seaside’s ballot measure CC, to ban the sale of “safe and sane” fireworks in the city – was a contentious issue he initially brought before the council.

In early results, 52.8 percent of voters favored the ban. Updated results, as of 2pm on Nov. 6, showed a smaller margin, 50.8 percent, but it appears the measure will prevail. Still, the vote count is close, with 3,042 in favor versus 2,951 opposed.

Otherwise, election night in Seaside was without drama. According to the count as of 2pm Wednesday, Nov. 6, incumbent mayor Ian Oglesby held a commanding lead with 57 percent of the vote. Challengers Dennis Volk captured 29 percent and Karla Lobo 14 percent.

It was a good night to be an incumbent in Seaside. With two City Council seats open, existing councilmembers Dave Pacheco (41 percent) and Alexis Garcia-Arrazola (26 percent) held clear edges over Diana Ingersoll and Shanda LeBoeuf at the end of the evening, Nov. 5.

As the count proceeded, little changed. As of 2pm on Wednesday, Nov. 6 Pacheco remained at 41 percent and Garcia-Arrazola at 26 percent. Ingersoll and LeBoeuf stood at 17 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

The issue of illegal fireworks was on the minds of many Seaside voters. On the campaign trail, Pacheco noted that voters were concerned first with a candidate’s general political philosophy and second with their thoughts on fireworks.

Another measure on the ballot – BB – that would extend the mayor’s term from two to four years met with approval to the tune of 58 percent, as of 2pm on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

While votes are still being tallied, for some, the campaign is over. Pacheco, who spent a quiet night with family on Tuesday evening, says he plans a relaxing outing following Election Day.

“I’m going on a boat ride in Elkhorn Slough,” he says. “I’ve never done that before – relax and look at sea otters.”