Locals Answer: How Did You Vote?

The following residents who voted at 's Neher Auditorium Tuesday told San Marino Patch how they voted and why.

Share your own voting decisions in the comment box below and check back on .

Polls are open until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Public Safety Tax

“I don’t feel there’s really in-depth information available to make a reasonable judgment [about the candidates],” said Tom Ashway, who has owned property in San Marino since 2008.

Ashway voted no on .

“I recently purchased property in San Marino so my taxes are at the top of the list,” said Ashway. “I don’t feel it’s necessary to continue the increased rate of taxes for some services that may not be necessary.”

Ashway voted in favor of .

“Even if you have a favorite city father who does wonderful, the city won’t die [if the officeholder takes a two-year break],” said Ashway.

In terms of city council candidates, Ashway said he voted for incumbent and , who also ran in the past two city council elections.

“Stephanie sounded like someone who is an activist and possibly a progressive and I’d like to see the city move in that direction,” said Ashway.  

He also thought it was “cool” that Kneier said even if Measure P does not pass, he will not seek a third term.

“I don’t know that much about people running for school district so I take my wild guess,” said Ashway, who doesn’t have children in and voted for and active because he said from the little he read about them they seemed more knowledgeable and interested in the school system as a commitment.

It’s Time for a Woman

Elayne Kester, who has lived in San Marino for 29 years and said she always votes in city elections, voted for Dennis Kneier and Stephanie Johnson for the two open city council seats.

While she knows Kneier personally, she doesn’t know Johnson but said she thinks it’s time for a woman on the council.

Kester said she voted in favor of both measures on the ballot—the public safety tax extension and term limits.

“I think the tax for police and fire is really important,” said Kester. “They do a really good job.”

As for term limits, Kester said she thinks the city needs new ideas and that doesn't happen if people are in office "for life."

Kester did not vote for school board since she does not have children in San Marino schools.

San Marino Schools Mother

Amanda Abrams, who grew up in San Marino and moved back to the city eight years ago, voted for Dennis Kneier and Stephanie Johnson for city council.

“I know Dennis and I think he’s doing a good job,” said Abrams. “I think [Stephanie] will do a really good job.”

In the school board race for two seats, Abrams—a mother of a SMHS student and student—voted for incumbent Chris Norgaard and Lisa Link because she said they are capable of doing the job.  

Abrams voted in favor of term limits and in favor of continuing the public safety tax.

“That’s something we can’t skim on,” said Abrams, regarding Measure S.