A sales tax increase in La Mesa was showing signs of early support in La Mesa during Tuesday’s election while there was a tight race for two open City Council. Proposition L would extend by 20 years a ¾-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2008. The tax has been in place since 2009 and raises $12 million annually for the city. If it passes, the city’s sales tax will remain at 8.5%, with money going toward public safety, parks, recreational services, street maintenance and other services. La Mesa receives 1 percent from the overall state sales tax, and Proposition L would increase the city’s share to 1 ¾ percent. The ¾-cent tax itself adds 7.5 cents to a $10 purchase. No arguments were filed against the tax measure. In the City Council race, four candidates are running to fill two open seats. San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce policy adviser Lauren Cazares and attorney Genevieve Suzuki had captured the most votes in early results. NTC Development Vice President and former La Mesa City Councilmember Kristine Alessio was not far behind in third place, while personal trainer Shawn Townsend was a distant fourth. The two seats will be vacant because Councilmember Jack Shu is not seeking re-election and Councilmember Colin Parent is running for state Assembly. All candidates support Proposition L, but have different priorities in serving the city. Alessio campaigned on street maintenance, responsible development and safety as her top priorities, and Cazares said homelessness, a lack of public safety resources and street accessibility were the biggest issues in La Mesa. Townsend saw traffic, housing, and climate change and environmental degradation as his top priorities, and Suzuki campaigned on addressing homelessness and public safety.