Calif. town votes against Blackwater

POTRERO, Calif., Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Five members of a planning group in a California town lost their seats to candidates who oppose plans for a Blackwater Worldwide training camp.

Residents of Potrero, in a rural area near the Mexican border, have been split on the Blackwater facility, with some fearing noise and traffic and others hoping for jobs. The election Tuesday attracted national attention because of the debate over the use of Blackwater and other private military contractors in Iraq, The Los Angeles Times reported.

"It should send a loud and clear message that Potrero does not want Blackwater in the community," said Carl Meyer, a leader in the recall campaign who ran against Blackwater.

The planning group plays an advisory role in local government. Brian Bonfiglio, a Blackwater vice president, said the change in the panel's membership is unlikely to affect the company. He urged members of the planning group and other local officials to wait for an environmental impact report expected early next year.

"I don't care one way or the other," Bonfiglio said of the vote.