Wildomar still waits as Measure Z inches toward victory

Tuesday’s voters had many issues and candidates to consider and some results are still being tallied.

Windsong Park in Wildomar, closed to the public (SWRNN file photo)

Wildomar’s Measure Z is passing by a slim margin, 66.83 percent as of Thursday evening, and councilwoman Bridgette Moore is hopeful the measure will maintain its winning position.

Read: One woman is making a difference keeping a Wildomar Park alive

A two-thirds vote is needed to pass the measure, which has been attempted three other times. Provisional ballots are still being counted.

If the measure passes, residents will pay an additional $28 per year to maintain the city’s three parks, bringing in about $300,000 per year.

“I have been on pins and needles all night,” Moore said. “I barely slept. But it’s looking like it’s going to pass. Thank you to everyone who voted.”

The registrar is still counting provisional ballots and the next update is scheduled for 6 p.m. tomorrow.

Two of the three city parks are currently closed due to lack of funding. Marna O’Brien Park, the remaining park, has remained open thanks to the efforts of volunteers.

At least $200,000 per year in maintenance costs are needed to maintain the parks and there will be some cost in re-opening the two parks that have been closed.

The measure includes statements that prevent the state from rerouting the money, as well as an oversight committee to ensure funding is used only for the parks and recreational programs.

“We’ll have functioning, clean, safe parks in Wildomar, plus community service programs like movies in the park, concerts in the park, the egg hunt,” Moore said. “We’ll be able to have those events that are vital to us as a community.”

Last night’s tallies also show Moore receiving the most votes, more than 34 percent, of the four Wildomar City Council candidates vying for the two open seats. The other incumbent, Bob Cashman, came next with nearly 29 percent of the votes.

“I feel honored that the residents want me to be there,” Moore said. “I will work for them for another four years.”

Both Cashman and Moore led the campaign to incorporate the city of Wildomar. Both councilmembers plan to continue pushing for the city to regain the $1.8 million in state funding lost when the city incorporated.

Jennifer Dean is a local writer and regular contributor to SWRNN.