During the Measure M campaign, I was fortunate to talk with scores of people asking for information, genuinely agonizing about their vote. These were the silent majority, the folks in the middle, honestly seeking to learn. Every single person wanted a deal. They all viewed Mr. Perenchio as a member of our Malibu community and as having a right to develop his land.
So why were people torn? The deal was uncertain-they didn’t know what happened once they voted ‘yes.’ Creating complex contingencies over which we had little control struck them as imprudent. Having a single outcome was a necessity: it did not need to be simple, it just needed to be certain. The other main concern was that this deal seemed unfair, too much development in exchange for too few benefits.
There are opportunities inherent in this moment. You see, the people with whom I spoke voted ‘no’ precisely because they are confident we can achieve community consensus about acceptable development and sufficient benefits. They want to have this conversation. This ‘no’ vote was not a vote for ‘no development.’
Together we can agree what a fair and certain deal looks like,
if we heal, listen, learn and trust each other as a community,
a community of which Mr. Perenchio is a member. The people are ready and waiting- what a unique and powerful opportunity we share together at this time! Now is not a time for stagnant ways, revenge, or pessimism. Leaders, through personal example, can inspire us to cooperate, respect and learn from each other, and work together.
Deirdre Roney
Planning Commissioner