Incumbent Drew Bessinger is the vote leader after first-night returns were tabulated for Clovis City Council.
He has been named on 49% of the ballots, as of 10:42 p.m. Tuesday. The top three vote-getters will win the election.
In second place is Republican activist Diane Pearce with 48% and former police chief Matt Basgall with 45%.
Insurance agent Joshua Phanco is in a distant fourth, with 18%.
The Fresno County election clerk’s office say 100% of the precincts have been counted. Mail-in ballots may be received for up to seven days and will be added to the count.
Voters for the first time in decades chose leaders in an even-year election. The last was in 1994. Since 1997, elections were held in March of odd-numbered years.
Candidates run in an at-large election, with no districts. Ten candidates appeared on the ballot, with voters able to chose up to three.
The new council terms begin Dec. 12.
Two Incumbents Leaving
Two incumbents declined to run for re-election. Jose Flores served on the City Council since 1999, winning six elections. He decided earlier this year that now was the time to leave.
Bob Whalen, a councilman since 2003, won election as a Fresno County Superior Court judge in June. He will take office in January.
Measure B
Clovis voters also voted on Measure B, which would increase the transit occupancy (i.e. hotel) tax by 2%, from 10% to 12%. The money would go to the general fund, but arguments in favor suggest it would be spent on public safety.
The first return saw the measure ahead with 70% of voters in favor. It only needs a simply majority, since the tax is for a general purpose.
