Measure W which proposed to raise money for a new hospital by charging a $170. parcel tax for 45 years on qualified parcels of land in Southern Humboldt was likely defeated today. The unofficial election night results have only 44.28 % of the voters saying yea while 55.72% said nay. Two-thirds of the voters would have had to have vote yes in order for the measure to pass.

The election had the distinction of requiring a judicial ruling over Scotty McClure’s odiferous objections to the pro argument on the ballet. McClure’s one sentence rebuttal stated, “Insert Fart smell here →_ W _ _ !!”

Humboldt’s County Register of voters had tried to disallow the sentence. But a judge ruled McClure, who is also a school board member for Southern Humboldt Unified School District, had the right to express his opinion. (See Lost Coast Outpost for more on the stink.)