Irvine’s Northwood Lawsuit Is Not Really That ‘Friendly’
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The Irvine City Council has declared war on the Constitution and the First Amendment rights of 5,762 citizens who had successfully petitioned the council to re-examine Northwood 5, a proposed Irvine Co. development.
Called a “friendly” lawsuit by the mayor, it is the opening political gunshot to invalidate citizen exercise of First Amendment rights, on an alleged technicality. The lawsuit is aimed at suppressing voter concern over urban problems expressed through the power of First Amendment rights.
A comparable amicable response would be a “friendly” recall of the mayor-led council.
Unless it is ameliorated, the way of the mayor and her council colleagues will make Irvine a battleground and each new village a battle zone.
There is a peaceful alternative: Rescind the amendment to the General Plan (the alleged technicality that is basic to any lawsuit). Doing so will moot the technical ground. Doing so will protect First Amendment rights.
The fault lies not in the exercise of constitutional rights. The fault lies in the failure of the council to recognize that many voters seek a better way than more foul air and pollution-caused health risks and water shortages associated with more development.
AL NASSER, Irvine
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