A proposition that would have raised the sales tax in San Diego by a half-cent was defeated by a wide margin, about 60 to 40 percent.
“By defeating Prop. D, San Diegans have issued a mandate for reform and change in city government,” said San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio.
"Make no mistake, there will be tough cuts ahead," said Mayor Jerry Sanders in a concession speech at Golden Hall. Sanders has projected a budget shortfall for San Diego of $72 million next fiscal year.
"The voters have spoken," he said. "While I am disappointed in the outcome, I respect their decision and I will do everything in my power to implement the outcome in a way that minimizes the impact on residents of San Diego.''
Councilwoman Donna Frye, who crafted the proposition, thanked voters for an unusually high turnout. "I would have been a whole lot happier" if they had voted yes, she added.
"Do not expect some magic wand to come along to stop these cuts," Frye said.
Proposition D would have raised San Diego’s sales tax by half-cent to 9.25 percent for a period of five years. The tax increase would have generated more than $100 million a year for the city.
