Votes Cast in Blackwater Recall Election

San Diego NBC 7 (2007-12-11)

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More Info: Blackwater, Blackwater West, Local Politics

POTRERO, Calif. -- The final votes have been cast in a recall election stemming from an East County controversy.

Five members of the Potrero community planning group could lose their jobs, after supporting a plan for the security firm, Blackwater, to set up an 800-acre military and law enforcement training camp.

Opposition to the plan intensified in September, after Blackwater guards were investigated in the shooting deaths of 17 Iraqi civilians in Baghdad.

Supporters of the plan said the camp would bring jobs and money to the area. Opponents claim Blackwater's facility will disrupt their community's rural feel.

The board of supervisors will decide the issue, but residents hope the recall vote has a big impact.

There are 509 eligible voters in Potrero. More than half of them voted, NBC 7/39 reported. The ballots will be counted Tuesday night.