Measure R's Most Important Question

Tuesday November 4 Measure R’s presence on the ballot asks: Do we, Malibu citizens, want the right to vote on large-scale developments coming into our community, or do we want to stand by watching bulldozers fulfill a business plan that may not reflect our community?

Measure R debate moderator Dave Bryan emphasized the development question is affecting small and large cities across America. Everyone trying to “get the right balance between development and livability.” Measure R is about giving Malibu citizens a vote in striking that balance.

Measure R is not, as developer Steve Soboroff asserted, an attack on Malibu’s City Council. That’s a divisive stance. We’re the ones who voted each and every council member into their seats. But whoever you’re a fan of on City Council, they won’t be there forever. Measure R puts a mechanism in place that leaves constant the right of Malibu’s citizenry to vote on large-scale developments, regardless of who the City Council members are, or what the political climate may be. Furthermore, Malibu being a small town, we only have 5 council members. Majority rules, therefore developments can potentially be decided on by three people. Three? I don’t think anyone can disagree that is a very small number.

It’s definitely more labor-intensive to convince an entire community of the wisdom of a proposal than to talk it over with a handful of folks in the comfy City Hall. If Advocates for Malibu Public Schools (AMPs) only had to get the City Council members on board for a Malibu Unified School District, MUSD stationary would long be printed up.

But AMPS presents an inspiring project plan. They’re making a herculean effort to be sure, in the separation of Malibu and Santa Monica schools, all factions are heard, respected, and attended to. When the issue reaches the ballot, voters in Malibu and Santa Monica can feel confident a “Yes” vote serves their community.

Measure R brings this dialogue to Malibu developments. If Measure R passes we might hear, “I spoke with the Malibu Boys and Girls Club about the need for teen activities,” or “I discussed businesses that reflect Malibu’s character with Preserve Malibu” or “I met with the Emily Shane Foundation to plan steps for a safer PCH.”

Maybe a skate park, urgent care facility, a movie theater or right-turn lane, Measure R encourages developers to work closely with residents to incorporate our priorities into large-scale projects. Malibu is caring, passionate, and conscientious. If a development proposal benefits the ecosystem, infrastructure, and citizenry of Malibu, it will be embraced at the polls.

Kudos to LA Police Commission President Steve Soboroff for Stepping onstage at the Malibu Civic Center to bring the Measure R debate to the people of Malibu.

The debate itself is a great crash-course in Measure R. Every Malibu voter should check it out.

http://malibu.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=1010

Rob and Michele Reiner have poured their hearts, souls, time, and energies into getting Measure R on’ the ballot this Election Day. My husband and I support Measure R. Thank you Rob and Michele for making this conversation possible. Our gratitude goes…to 11.

Yes on Measure R.

Martha Quinn and Jordan Tarlow

Malibu residents since 2004

PHOTO Patch file photo.

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