Santa Maria City Council candidates clash on everything from Measure C to ICE

If Measure C fails in November, Santa Maria will have to lay off city employees in January, Councilman Richard Batalla told voters at an Oct. 1 Santa Maria City Council candidate forum at Allan Hancock College. The tax measure ran through nearly every answer at the forum, which the League of Women Voters North Santa Barbara County hosted at the Sandy Boyd Concert Hall ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Measure C would raise the city’s sales tax from 8.75% to 9.25%. The City Council voted June 19 to put the half-cent increase on the ballot. The city estimates it would generate about $13 million a year for roads, parks, the library, the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center and recreation programs, with  an independent citizens oversight committee. Groceries, diapers and prescription medications would not be taxed.  In District 1, Batalla is running against Celest Mendoza, who at 27 would be the youngest person to sit on the council if elected, and Gary Michaels. The seat is open after Carlos