Jun 26, 2009 9:02 pm US/Pacific
Solano Special Election Causes Layoffs, Money Woes
SOLANO, Calif. (CBS13) ―
A congresswoman's career path is costing county workers more lay offs in Solano County. CBS13 went to find out why the local leader's move to join the Obama Administration is leading more people into the unemployment lines.
Ellen Tauchner stepped down from her congressional seat Friday. But, getting another candidate comes with a cost. Special elections aren't cheap, and with four counties in her district, the cost is adding up to more than a million dollars.
Solano Supervisor Mike Reagan carries his budget binder everywhere these days. Next week he will vote on cutting $146 million and laying off 87 people and now this.
Congresswoman Ellen Tauchner announced today she's leaving her post to work in the Obama Administration. But, the price to hold a special election in Solano County to fill her seat will be $333,000.
Solano County isn't alone. Tauchner's 10th Congressional District also covers parts of Sacramento, Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Solano County employees leaving work for the weekend know their positions are now in jeopardy.
"I think that we've been very fortunate up until now. But I do see that changing," says Claudia Stedman, a Solano County worker.
The cool down in this economy isn't providing comfort to anyone either.
Solano County is trying to turn this special election into a mail-in election only to cut down on the overall cost.
Incidentally, the governor can't solve this by simply appointing a new representative. State law requires a special election for a Congressional District, unless the representative leaves office in the final year of the term.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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