Sales Tax Fails; O'Neal Routs Mayoral Field

***DECISION 2009: SPRINGFIELD***

"NO"

A one-cent sales tax to fund police and fire pensions FAILS 52%-47%

- An 881 vote difference -

(Above: Somber city officials watch the final results trail in.)

O'NEAL WINS ROUND 1 BIG

Jim O'Neal is the clear frontrunner to be Springfield's next mayor.

THE PRIMARY:

JIM O'NEAL 61%

CHRIS DONEGAN 21%

Turnout in Springfield totaled 17%

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At his watch party at Springfield's Metropolitan Grill, O'Neal said there's a stark difference between his approach and that of Republican Chris Donegan.

To solve the pension issue, O'Neal is leaving the option of another possible one-cent sales tax on the table. Donegan opposes a one-cent tax, favors budget cuts but is open to supporting a 1/4 cent or 1/2 cent tax down the road.

The general election is set for April 7th.