Delores L. Walker, Free Press Reporter

A county referendum that would allow commissioners to grant exemption on property taxes to new businesses and to businesses that are expanded was defeated by a narrow margin (2 votes) in Tuesday’s election.



A 18% voter turnout yielded 360 yes votes in favor of the referendum and 362 no, not in favor of the referendum.



Local residents had expressed concerns about the lack of understanding (about the referendum) by citizens in the county at Monday’s county commissioner meeting. A letter was sent to voters from the board just prior to Tuesday’s election about the referendum, but several voters said the wording in the letter left them with doubts about saying “yes” on the ballot.



The county board will have to wait until next year to put the referendum to the voters for a second look.



Presidential candidate John Kerry received 266 votes, making him the choice for Lafayette County Democrats.



Carol Moseley Braun received 22 votes; Wesley Clark, 21; Howard Dean, 19; John Edwards, 170; Dick Gephardt, 11; Dennis J. Kucinich, 19; Joe Lieberman, 21 and Al Sharpton, 24.



Lana Morgan, Supervisor of Elections said the first election of the 2004 election year went smoothly with the equipment working perfectly and poll workers at their best. “I’d put Lafayette County’s poll workers up against any in the state, they’re great,” Morgan said.