City officials next week will consider hosting a discussion or debate about Measure R, a chain store initiative set to go on the November ballot.
The event would consist of presentations from proponents and opponents of Measure R, according to city staff. Councilwoman Laura Rosenthal first brought up the idea to staff. Rob Reiner would likely represent “proponents” in the debate, but it’s unclear who the “opponents” would have speak on their behalf.
The event would be televised from Malibu City Hall.
The measure, for which 2,300 local petition signatures were gathered, would place a 30 percent limit on the number of chain stores permitted to operate in Malibu shopping centers. It would also require a citywide vote on major shopping center development and commercial or mixed use construction over 20,000 square feet.
“Rosenthal believes it is vital that a venue be provided for a healthy and appropriate debate/ discussion on the merits and issues in this initiative,” a staff report states. “She is also suggesting the city contact Pepperdine University’s Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution to request that it provide a moderator to facilitate the debate to ensure that the City remains neutral.”
Rosenthal’s idea will be discussed Monday, Sept. 8 at a 6:30 p.m. City Council meeting.