The Tijuana sewage crisis was a major concern for Coronado voters as they submitted their ballots ahead of Election Day.
“I want the sewage flows into the Tijuana River Valley stopped,” said Coronado resident Jim Scott who dropped off his ballot on Nov. 2.
“Everybody’s losing business,” said Coronado resident Cecilia Chacon Lyon who voted before Election Day. “…It’s never been this bad and I’ve lived here almost four decades. It’s ridiculous.”
Today is the final day of voting in the Nov. 3 general election, which includes local City Council and school board races along with more than one dozen measures addressing housing, taxes, elections and the environment.
The ballot also includes 14 statewide propositions, two county measures and one city measure for voters in Coronado.
In addition to the sewage dilemma, Coronado residents said they were voting because of concerns about immigration, the economy, President Trump, education, healthcare and homelessness.
“It’s an opportunity we have as American citizens to express our voting preferences and everybody should take advantage of it,” said Scott. “It’s the way our democracy is expected to work.”
“We agree on all politics really,” added Scott’s wife, Jo Anne, 78, who voted in person inside the Winn Room.
Scott, 77, described himself as a retired ship builder who typically votes for conservative candidates.
He said a priority to get the Tijuana sewage problem corrected did not show up on the campaigns or the ballot except for one minor exception.
The ballot included Measure B, which seeks to impose a half-cent sales tax, to 8.25% in Coronado, raising up to $450 million annually, for health and safety services in San Diego County, including the sewage pollution in Tijuana River Valley.
Scott said he did not see the crisis as part of any local candidates’ platforms saying he would like to see the area designated as a Superfund clean up site.
“Securing funding doesn’t translate into implemented solutions,” said Scott.
The crisis was also a concern for Lyon, 72, who described economic loss for local residents who rent out their homes during summertime.
She described voting as a privilege and said the best way to protect that privilege is to use it.
“I’m especially motivated this year because I absolutely despise and hate Trump, and I want to make sure that I voted the straight Democratic line,” she said.
Lyon said she wants a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives and, ideally, the Senate.
“And then they can have at least some checks and balances to the crazy things that Trump’s been doing,” she said.
Patricia Jean Freeman, 85, a Democrat who also voted before Election Day, expressed similar sentiments about the current administration.
“I am not a Trump supporter,” said Freeman. “I think that Mr. Trump has very high aspirations of being a dictator, and I think it’s too bad that he does, because he can certainly do a lot more with the millions that are being spent by him for some pretty ostentatious little projects, like the new ballroom. …That’s millions of dollars that could be spent for homeless people.”
Aaron Michael, 44, a Republican and veteran who splits his time between Coronado and Palisades, said the homeless veteran population is huge and expressed strong support for rehousing unhoused veterans.
“It’s weird saying this in Coronado, but California needs to become more affordable,” said Michael. “And I think that we have an opportunity to make it more affordable with one of the gubernatorial candidates.”
Michael, who described himself as a director of intelligence, said Steve Hilton has a good plan on not taxing state residents’ first $150,000.
“At the state level, I don’t like that we keep getting hidden taxes,” said Deborah Mariya.
Mariya, 73, an Independent, told The Coronado News she had strong feelings about a number of things beginning with Measure D, which seeks to increase building height limits in Coronado.
“There’s nowhere to park,” said Mariya. “I’m handicapped. It’s impossible to find handicapped parking. It’s very difficult. So, no, it’s not a good idea. I understand why they need it, but it will make things much harder for me.”
Freeman, a Shores resident, said she does not favor having really high density buildings but would support apartment structures for low income families where Smart and Final is now.
“I’m very concerned about the economy and hoping that we can bring things around so that people can afford food and healthcare and education,” said Freeman who voted yes on Prop 40, which seeks to collect a one-time 5% tax from anyone with assets over $1 billion to primarily fund health care.
For Lyon, immigration, the economy and global warming were top of mind issues this election cycle.
Scott said he also would like to see politicians move forward and find constructive resolutions to the Middle East situation and immigration.
“We’ll just have to move forward,” said Scott. “Find ways to move forward and encourage our politicians to work together. Stop the bickering.”
As for Coronado City Council candidates, Scott said any would serve the city well.
Lyon, a former city and county staffer for 18 years who is now retired, said she supports incumbent Kelly Purvis.
“She wasn’t on the Democratic Party list, … but I voted for her,” said Lyon. “…She’s a very good asset to the city.”
Scott, whose grandkids have graduated and are currently attending Coronado public schools, said he hopes challenging situations such as a stabbing incident that happened last year, get addressed.
“That’s about the only concern I have with the schools,” said Scott. “I think, overall, we’re very fortunate to have a higher performing school district here for our kids.”
“It’s always good in a democracy to have people who are willing to vote for what they believe in,” said Freeman. “Whether they believe in the Democratic Party, or the Republican Party, or…whatever.”
