Font ResizeSales tax measures in Moraga and Orinda are attracting a lot of attention, but Lamorinda council races are also starting to generate some buzz, thanks mainly to who's not running.
Moraga Vice-Mayor Howard Harpham confirmed this week that he won't be seeking re-election in November. That leaves Mayor Mike Metcalf and Councilwoman Karen Mendonca as the two incumbents defending their seats.
In Lafayette, Mayor Carol Federighi and Councilmember Carl Anduri have decided against re-election bids, as has longtime Lafayette School District trustee Shayne Silva.
The Moraga-Orinda Fire District board of directors will also welcome at least two new faces later this year; the district is seeking board members to fill seats vacated after Richard Olsen and Brook Mancinelli tendered their resignations in February.
Here's a list of people who have taken out papers or filed to run as of Aug. 1. Deadlines for city council races are Aug. 10 but will be extended to Aug 15 should an incumbent not file.
Lafayette City Council:
Orinda City Council
Moraga Town Council
Lafayette School District
Moraga School District
Orinda School District
Acalanes Union High School District
Moraga-Orinda Fire District
In addition to electing council members, voters in Orinda will consider a half-cent-per-dollar sales tax measure to pay for road and storm drain repairs. Officials estimate the tax will generate $6.7 million during ten years if passed.
Moraga voters will also be deciding whether to approve a sales tax increase to raise funds for road maintenance and repairs. Town leaders hope the one-cent-per-dollar tax will generate $1 million annually.
Should the tax pass, Moraga residents will pay a 9.25 percent tax rate, making their town the second municipality in Contra Costa with the highest sales tax.
