The race for the fourth ward of Eureka’s City Council reached close margins on Tuesday night with Austin Allison ahead by a little more than 53 percent of the vote. The 25-year-old candidate faced off against Eureka business man John Fullerton.

“I’m so pleased with everyone who’s taken the time to vote for me who’s volunteered for my campaign, who’s let me put lawn signs in their yards and for just believing in me and the values that are important to them,” Allison said.

Allison also said he would continue to work with Fullerton on future plans for the city of Eureka along with the rest of the city council.

“I have a lot of things in mind. I look forward to first sitting down with all the council members and just really getting to know them on a personal level and then we can exchange ideas for the city and move it in a positive direction,” Allison said. “Fullerton is a formidable opponent, he’s been in the community for quite sometime. I wish he’ll consider thinking of other values such as doing things for today and the future of Eureka. I wish him the best of luck and hope that maybe we can get a cup of coffee and discuss ideas moving forward.”

Fullerton also said he would be up for discussing the future plans of Eureka especially those pertaining to the history and progress of the city.

“Austin Allison has a whole lot to learn about the job, and I’d be glad to help him get up to speed in the event that he wins. I’ve spent the last 30 years helping this city and I’ll continue to do that in the future, whether I’m on the council or not,” Fullerton said.

While also thanking his various volunteers and the voters of Eureka, Fullerton said he’s lived in Eureka for a long time and will continue to support the city and its constitutes.

Allison said that although the national election worried a few members of his team, he’s confident at a local level that peoples’ needs and concerns will be met and that Eureka will benefit from the local election turnout.

“In a way I’m sort of shaking it up for the city of Eureka and our elections. Not a lot of young people get involved in local politics and now I hope they will now,” Allison said.

Measure P

The old system of voting for Eureka City Council is now at pivotal moment as the previous at-large system has changed to a true ward one.

Yes on Measure P was voted in with 57 percent of the vote with 19 of 127 precincts reporting. This means that Eureka City Council candidates will now be voted in by their respective wards instead of the entire city. Prior to Measure P, candidates could be voted in from any of the five wards, but with the passing of this measure, starting in 2018, candidates will be voted in only by the people in their own wards.

Former Eureka City Council candidate and advocate for Measure P Allen McCloskey said this was a step in the right direction for the city.

“The city of Eureka is in a much stronger legal position now,” McCloskey said. “We challenged the good old boy network and we’ve won. This is a huge win for the city and secure a true Democratic system for the city of Eureka. We should all be very pleased with this outcome.”

Natalya Estrada can be reached at 707-441-0510.