Land Use and the City Charter

Measure V and Measure W both have a common weakness, they amend the City Charter for complex land use decisions. Redwood City is a charter city, meaning, just as the US Government is guided by our Constitution, Redwood City is guided by the City Charter. As with any change in the US Constitution, City Charter amendment should be given careful consideration and handled with great care.

Since both Measure V and Measure W amend the City Charter, this is why every resident of Redwood City should take the time to understand what each initiative says, weigh the pros and cons, and appreciate that they may be making a decision for the generations to come. In this election, some of the citizen groups in Redwood City got their start by opposing any change to the City Charter, preferring to use other tools of city government. A number of people we spoke to prefer using the General Plan to effect land use change. In our opinion, the General Plan is the preferred instrument for land use planning. We strongly encourage all of you to participate in the current General Plan revision process. 

Why Do We Support Measure V?

We will be the first to say City Charter is not the right instrument for dealing with complex land use issues. However, over 6,500 residents had signed the petition. We respect their wish to have a say on the future use and development of Cargill Saltflats. We, the affected residents, the "collateral damage" of Measure W, stood up and asked the City Council for a clear, simply worded alternative. We should not have to choose between saving the environment and protecting our homes. Thus, the City Council gave us and Redwood City an alternative, Measure V. Measure V offers straight forward language allowing the voters to have a choice. This is why we appreciate the City Council for placing Measure V on the ballot and lend our support for Measure V.