SURVEYED VOTERS LIKE SCHOOL TAX, NOT PROPOSITION 1

Inclement weather this morning greeted Boone County voters who cast ballots
on a proposed ordinance in Columbia, school tax hikes in Columbia and
across the county as well as for candidates in a variety of races.

"It appears quieter than the elections we had last year, but I think weill
have a good turnout," Boone County Clerk Wendy Noren said.

Opposition to Proposition 1 on changes in local marijuana law was strong,
as was support for a 19-cent tax rate increase sought by Columbia Public
Schools, according to an unscientific survey of voters by the Tribune.

Voters interviewed at eight precincts across the city opposed Columbiais
proposed marijuana ordinance by a nearly 2-to-1 margin, 82 to 48.

"I think passing the law would only encourage marijuana use," said Bret
Sanders, voting at Memorial Baptist Church.

Chase Martin, voting at Derby Ridge Elementary School, also voted against
Proposition 1, which would give seriously ill citizens the right to obtain
and use marijuana for medicinal purposes if they have a physicianis
recommendation. It also would make marijuana possession of less than 35
grams a municipal offense.

"Itis just the beginning of making drugs legal," Chase, 19, said. "Itis a
starter drug; it will just get people hooked on something more."

Fewer people in the survey felt the way Wayne Brekhus did, voting at Campus
Lutheran Church.

"I think itis a very good idea," he said. Possessing less than 35 grams of
marijuana "shouldnit be a serious crime that results in the overcrowding of
jails."

The survey also found strong support - 88 to 42 - for the tax increase for
Columbia schools.

Parkade Elementary School voter Dell Mitchell said he voted for the school
tax because "the most important thing we can do is educate the children."

The Tribune survey found strong interest in two incumbent members of the
Columbia Board of Education.

Incumbents Elton Fay and Kerry Crist were the choices of 79 and 76 surveyed
voters, respectively. Henry Lane was the choice of 38 voters in the survey
and Arch Brooks picked up 12 votes. Voters were choosing two of the four
candidates to serve on the board.

Ruth Gardner, assistant principal at Russell Boulevard Elementary School,
ventured to Christian Chapel to vote for the school tax and the incumbent
board members.

"I feel like they know the issues and are generally concerned about the
children, not just money issues," Gardner said of Crist and Fay.

Columbia Second Ward Councilman Chris Janku garnered more support among
surveyed voters than opponent James Pounds did. There were 31 Janku voters
in a survey at three precincts, compared with 10 voters for Pounds.

In the race for Columbiais Sixth Ward seat, which is being vacated by John
Coffman, more voters surveyed at two precincts preferred Ben Orzeske over
Brian Ash or Austin Hake. Orzeske had received 17 votes to Ashis 8 and
Hakeis 4.

The leaders for an open seat on the Boone Hospital Center Board of Trustees
appeared to be Faith Phillips and Fred Parry.

In the Tribune survey at eight Columbia precincts and the Hallsville
Community Center, 77 voters favored Phillips, 54 chose Parry, six selected
Gary Seider and five picked Dennis Thompson.

Polls will remain open until 7 p.m.