2017 Election, May 17

Unofficial final returns show Coos Co. Measure 6-162 failing by a significant margin during Tuesday’s Special Election.  According to figures compiled by the Coos Co. Elections Dept., the “No” vote led the “Yes” votes by 76-percent (24.09% to 75.91%).  As written, the measure would have prohibited transportation of fossil fuels within the county as well as any development of non-sustainable energy systems.  Opponents said it targeted the proposed Jordan Cove LNG export terminal on Coos Bay’s North Spit.  A bond request by the Coos Bay School District aimed at improving aging school buildings, failed by 22-votes (3584 to 3562); however, there are still votes to be counted.  Not too many board positions were contested in the elections, but a few.  Southwestern Oregon Community College Board, Mark Gagnon (59.08%) and Dave Bassett (50.50%) won.  Coos Bay School Board Jill Vandehey (59.49%), North Bend School District Samantha K. Pierson (45.56%), John R. Buckley (68.85%), and Bay Area Health District Michael Gordon (73.62%).