SANTEE ELECTIONS INCLUDE MAYOR, TWO COUNCIL SEATS AND SALES TAX HIKE

By Mike Allen

Photo: Former Padre Dam Municipal Water District director Augie Scalzitti is challenging Councilman Dustin Trotter.

August 27, 2024 (Santee)-- This November, Santee voters are facing several choices on their ballots, one for mayor and one for District Four Council representative, as well as whether to enact a half cent increase to their sales tax.

In the 4th District, incumbent Councilman Dustin Trotter is being challenged by Augie Scalzitti. Development is emerging as a key issue in this race.

Trotter was elected in 2020 in the tightest city council race ever, winning by only five votes of some 8,000 cast, over a relatively unknown university professor, Samm Hurst. Trotter, who owns a general contracting business, did not file a candidate’s statement with the City Clerk. He previously ran on a platform that included business-friendly development and cutting red tape for small businesses.

Scalzitti, a former longtime director of the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, was beaten in 2020 for that position by a newcomer, Suzanne Till. In his statement, he said he has 20 years experience serving on that water board as well as other public agencies.

Scalzitti, who lists his occupation as property manager/businessman, is making a clear pitch for putting the brakes on unrestrained housing development in the city.

He has been an outspoken opponent of a proposed revamp of the Carlton Oaks Golf Course that includes 243 single family houses, a 42-room hotel, and 10 cottages along with other amenities.

“I believe more houses in Santee will lead to more traffic which is not good for our city. I won’t cater to or be bought by developers. I will fight against any and all city taxes,” Scalzitti said. “I’ve been a local business owner for more than 20 years. I’ve raised my family in Santee, and will work hard to preserve its hometown values.”

District 3 representative, Laura Koval, is running unopposed for the second consecutive elections cycle. She was first elected in 2018, beating out two other challengers.

Mayor John Minto, first elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020 in the only position voted on citywide, is being challenged by Kelli L. O’Brien, who lists her jobs as a file clerk and receptionist, but did not file a candidate’s statement with the City Clerk.

In an e-mail to ECM,  O’Brien says she is a lifelong Santee resident and 2015 West Hills High graduate who has worked as an instructional aide in the Santee School District.

“I am focused on accountability within the agencies that govern here. Safety within the community is also a top priority for me,” she says, adding that she recently met with Sheriff Kelly Martinez to discuss the jails and plans for upgrades, including at the women’s prison in Santee. “As mayor, I would want anyone to feel comfortable and confident voicing their concerns and most importantly that they would be heard,”O’Brien adds.

Photo, right: Kelli O'Brien and Mayor John Minto

Minto, a former San Diego Police detective, said in his statement that his 50 years in elected public service, education and law enforcement “qualifies him to make impactful decisions.”

“Throughout my tenure I have proactively addressed community issues, fostered partnerships and advocated for infrastructure improvements. This proactive approach underscores my commitment to enhancing our community’s economic vitality and should instill confidence in my ability to lead,” he said.

Local voters can also weigh in on whether to increase the city’s current sales tax by a half of a cent, from 7.75 percent to 8.25 percent. Proponents say the tax hike is needed to increase the city’s fire stations and personnel.  The City Council unanimously voted in June to put the measure on the ballot.

The Council said added taxes are needed to build two new stations, or double the existing number it has today, which is the same number it had about 20 years ago when Santee was much smaller.

The tax, which is assigned as Measure S and estimated to generate about $5.5 million annually, was put on the ballot after the Santee Firefighters Association collected nearly 4,000 signatures from city residents, which means its approval needs a simple majority of votes to pass. If it’s approved the tax would expire in 15 years.

The November ballot also includes another half-cent tax hike proposal from San Diego County to pay for a variety of transportation projects.