Cole County voters have rejected a proposal to adopt countywide zoning in what turned out to be a tight race.
According to unofficial results from the Cole County clerk, the zoning issue failed by less than 1,000 votes, with 7,391 votes, or 47.09 percent, voting in favor of zoning and 8,305, or 52.91 percent, voting against zoning.
Ed Williams, chairman of the opposition group No On Zoning Committee, said the results were not a surprise to him, though he did not expect it to be as close as it was.
"The people of Cole County have defeated another irresponsible self-interest proposal that joins the Transformation tax, annexation proposals, mega school election and fireman tax," Williams said. "The quality of life in Cole County continues to deteriorate and will only improve when people who want to serve the people and not the special interests are elected."
Dick Peerson, co-chairman of the zoning oversight committee, said they wanted to give voters the opportunity to decide the issue and they did.
"The voters have spoken," Peerson said. "I'm perfectly fine."
Peerson said he does not believe the issue of countywide zoning will be brought up again, at least not for many years, unless a specific problem arises.
"I just can't see it unless there are issues that come up," Peerson said. "Most people are obviously happy with the way things are going, and there aren't any serious problems."
If zoning had been adopted, the zoning plan and map still would have had to be finalized and ratified by the county's Planning and Zoning Committee before going to the three-member County Commission, which would have held hearings in all the townships before taking a final vote to adopt the plan.
Other results from Aug. 5, 2014 voting:
State and area primary election vote totals for Aug. 5, 2014
Transportation sales tax defeated
Constitutional amendments bring voters to polls
Korsmeyer wins GOP race for Cole County Clerk
Area roundup: Russellville, Ashland voters approve sewer bond issues
Luetkemeyer wins renomination, will face Denton in November
Other Congressional incumbents prevail