June 11, 2010 > Poor turnout reflects voter apathy Poor turnout reflects voter apathy In a primary election that left few local surprises in its wake, Alameda County voters disdained the polls in a record low turnout. Few registered voters (approximately 23 percent) bothered to participate even though important decisions and elected offices were on the ballot. In Hayward, Michael Sweeney, virtually unopposed, will continue as Mayor joined on city council by current Planning Commissioner Marvin Peixotoand newcomer Mark Salinas. Measure B, a school district parcel tax for Milpitas passed even in a poor economy, securing more than two-thirds voter-approval (70.17 percent) and... In a hotly contested and marred race between Fremont City Councilmember Bob Wieckowski and Ohlone College Boardmember Garrett Yee, a close race for State Assembly District 20 ended as Wieckowski claimed a narrow victory in the Democratic primary. With the passage of Proposition 14, voters will be allowed to participate in selecting candidates for consideration in an ensuing general election regardless of party affiliation. The result may signal a radical change in voting patterns and party-controlled candidacies. Some well-known local politicians in highly visible county-wide and statewide races did not fare well in their contests. For additional information and details of the June 8, 2010, California Primary Election, visit the City Desk at our website: www.tricityvoice.com.