As Yogi Berra said “its déjà vu all over again.” The culture of Council arrogance and disregard for the resident’s best interests, shown by the mailer, “Eight Former Malibu Mayors” opposing Measure R, began with those same individuals united in their support of a development agreement that would have produced 600,000 square feet of primarily commercial space (Measure M) on the November 2003 City election ballot.
Measure M was a Development Agreement with the Malibu Bay Company (Perenchio et al.), a major land owner/developer, for entitlements to build over 600,000 square feet of new commercial and residential development — which would have changed the face of our City. That City Council, which included five of the “eight,” not only supported passage of that agreement, but also campaigned for it.
It is no wonder that this same group now opposes Measure R, which provides residents with the right to vote on similar development. Fortunately, in an affront to them, the voters overwhelmingly rejected Measure M. I expect a similar affront to this City Council by voters voting “yes” on Measure R.
Walt Keller
First Mayor of Malibu