Covina’s utility tax passed, which couldn’t make city staffers and supporters happier. Now, they don’t have to cut city services or employees. Of course, those in opposition think this just gives a poorly run city more money to burn. And the only reason it passed, claimed Stephen Millard, is because the city used scared tactics and because residents are apathetic.

A total of 3,491 residents or about 17 percent voted in 2007 but the majority of them turned the measure down.

“People are complacent,” Millard said. “It’s disappointing that more people don’t go out and vote on both sides of the issue.”