Imagine that the people of California propose a law to curb drug dealing. Then imagine that a group of drug dealers opposes the law, claiming it would lead to a spike in the drug trade. The dealers also threaten to sue if the law is passed — a law that would only increase their business. Intelligent people might think that the dealers were hoping to mislead/intimidate voters into rejecting a measure that would, in reality, harm their business.
Substitute developers for drug dealers and you have their argument against Measure R.
Who stands to profit by Measure R’s passage or defeat? A famous activist/director and thousands of concerned citizens who want their city to remain a habitable, unspoiled place to live? Or developers and Realtors, hoping to open the commercial floodgates to outsiders, regardless of the civic and environmental costs?
“The law’s so poorly written it will cause the condition it’s meant to prevent … Malibu will go broke defending lawsuits … Urgent Care will close.” The opponents’ disinformation is so disingenuous, it’s insulting. Measure R gives the people of Malibu — not development sharks — the power to shape our City’s future. Protected businesses, like Urgent Care and the Malibu theater, won’t be harmed unless the landlords who claim to worry about their survival boot them out for better paying tenants.
There could be lawsuits to overturn Measure R, but only if developers choose to file them. Other cities have passed similar laws and successfully defended. We tell our children to stand up to bullies because it’s the right thing to do. If that means going to court to save our City from development bullies, it’s a small price to pay.
Some opponents argue that unrestricted commerce always results in the greatest good for the greatest number. My answer: Enron … the BP oil spill … the housing meltdown … The Great Recession. With my City’s future at stake, I’ll let “the people” — not “the market” — decide.
When we moved here in 1991, we passed a sign that said “27 Miles of Scenic Beauty,” not “27 Miles of Corporate Shopping.” Let’s keep it that way. Vote “yes” on Measure R.
Louis & Eugenie Spirito