Voters Support Transit Levy, But Low Voter Turnout Dooms Measure

Salem Mayor Janet Taylor wins a third term in office.

Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - Marion and Polk county voters supported the Salem-Keizer Transit Districts 5-year local option tax levy, however with only 38 percent of voters in Marion County casting a ballot Tuesday, the measure failed.

The measure needed a double majority to pass.

Cherroits officials said since the measure failed, they will be forced to cut service by 25 percent, and reduce service on some routes.

Salem Mayor Janet Taylor won re-election.

Taylor beat challenger Jim Aldersen, 64 to 36 percent.

For City of Salem Councilor, Ward 2, challenger Laura Tesler beat incumbent Jim Randall, 55 to 45 percent.

Republican Marion County Commissioner, Position #2 went to Janet Carlson, Jane Aiken won election as City of Salem Municipal Court Judge.

It`s a dead heat for Republican State Senator 13th District.

Charles Starr and Larry George both have 50 percent of the vote.

Of the 145,840 registered voters in Marion County, only 55,767 voted.