Indeed, there are likely more than a few homeowners in far Gonzales that don't give a crap about what's going on downtown, and may vote left because they're old, wealthy hippies who never get downtown, or simply don't think the growing homeless and addicted population frequenting the streets is anything to worry about ... sort of the old hippie "live and let live" mindset.
I think the Helps/Isitt/Loveday success in elections is largely based around a small, but solid base that simply takes advantage of the fact that so few people actually vote in Victoria municipal elections.
Well, I think that's something that's going to need to change - and fast. What folks think doesn't affect them now will end up affecting them - negatively - soon enough.