Proposition O was officially rejected in the final ballot counts released by the Los Angeles city clerk’s office Friday. The proposition would have levied a $1.44 per barrel tax on oil extracted in L.A., but it was defeated with 51.56 percent of voters rejecting it. 

Forescee Hogan-Rowles

The measure would have generated about $4 million for the general fund, supporters argued. It was one of many measures aimed at reducing the massive $400 million budget deficit projected for the city.

Small, independent oil companies opposed the measure fervently. Prop O opponents hailed the final count as a win for L.A.’s economy. “Voters understood Prop. O would have reduced local production, requiring us to import more foreign oil and putting upward pressure on gas prices,” said Scott Macdonald, a spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Association, in a statement.

The final results also put an official end to the race for City Council District 8, solidifying victory for incumbent Bernard Parks over challenger Forescee Hogan-Rowles. Parks won with 51.21 percent of the vote, more than the 50 percent needed to avoid a runoff election.

Hogan-Rowles hung on until the end, declaring late on election day, “It’s not over!” on Facebook. After March 8, there remained thousands of absentee and provisional ballots to be counted.

Of all the challengers to incumbents in L.A.'s deeply gerrymandered districts, Hogan-Rowles came the closest to success. 

She said in a written statement following the final election results that her campaign sent a message to city council office holders throughout L.A. "No matter how popular you think you are you can't take the people for granted," she said.

Hogan-Rowles had more than $1 million in union support during her campaign, which was not enough to put her ahead of the former police chief. 

Parks avoided a runoff by a margin of 224 votes.

Read our full election coverage here.

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