Last Tuesday's election was closely watched by the nation and the world as a dramatic shift in political power unfolded. Local races may have been slightly less dramatic, but there were a few surprises along the way. This news quiz tests your political acumen with a few questions about local races and measures.

1. In January, Corvallis will welcome new Mayor Charlie Tomlinson into City Hall. How long has current Mayor Helen Berg been in office?

A. 8 years

B. 10 years

C. 12 years

D. 624 years

2. A $16 million Corvallis School District levy passed by a narrow margin. One of the proposed uses for the money is:

A. A French immersion program at Jefferson Elementary.

B. New science labs at Cheldelin Middle School.

C. Laptop computers for each incoming kindergartner.

D. Reduction of class sizes.

3. Five new faces will appear on the Corvallis City Council beginning next year, and among their top priorities are:

A. Convincing an Olive Garden to move to town.

B. Doubling the number of community garden spaces.

C. Affordable housing.

D. Increasing community recycling participation.

4. A county-wide levy was defeated by voters.

The levy's purpose was

to help fund:

A. Public safety and health services.

B. Senior services.

C. Low income child care.

D. County roads and bridges.

5. A brief power outage darkened election day for nearly 2,500 Corvallis residents. It was caused by:

A. A last-minute voter attempting to drop off a ballot who ran into a power pole instead.

B. A malfunction in the election office's vote-counting machines.

C. Heavy rains caused trees to fall onto power lines.

D. Squirrels nesting near a transformer set off an explosion.

Answers: 1, C; 2, D; 3, C; 4, A; 5, C.

- Compiled by Theresa Hogue