El Cajon staff say polling shows community support for Prop J replacement; council approves town‑hall outreach

City staff presented polling results on April 23 that staff say show community receptiveness to a replacement or continuation of the city’s critical‑services sales‑tax measure (commonly referenced as Prop J).

John Needstead of Competitive Edge, hired through a request-for-proposal to poll El Cajon voters, told the council the March 11–20 survey (margin of sampling error ±3.2%) tested a turnout model assuming roughly 60% participation and found the ballot language framed as "critical services" and citing police and fire drew broad support in the read-ballot test. "The measure is widely supported," Needstead said, noting an informed test produced slightly better numbers.

City Manager Graham Mitchell told the council staff recommended a series of town halls—one in each district—coupled with an education campaign and follow-up polling to refine messaging. Mitchell also said staff had begun internal brainstorming about what cuts or alternate revenues would be required if the measure failed, including possible reductions in staffing, leasing city property and other long-term options, but emphasized those were preliminary scenarios.

Councilmembers pressed staff for clarity that the measure as presented is an extension of the current rate rather than an increase; Needstead confirmed the survey described a continuation, not a new tax increase. The council unanimously accepted the report and directed staff to proceed with the recommended public outreach and follow-up polling.

The council did not adopt final ballot language or set a ballot date that night; staff said they would return with further community engagement and refined recommendations based on town‑hall feedback and subsequent polling.