Huntington Beach residents rally against Measure U citing deception and potential harm to community

During the recent Huntington Beach City Council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding Measure U, a proposed charter amendment that would require voter approval for any changes to the city’s general plan or zoning. Critics of the measure voiced strong opposition, arguing that it misleads voters by falsely linking it to library funding, a claim they labeled as a "giant lie."

One speaker passionately condemned the measure, asserting that it would hinder business growth and create unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. They emphasized that Measure U would shift responsibility from the city council to the public, potentially leading to costly special elections that taxpayers would have to fund. The speaker drew parallels to similar measures in other cities, such as Yorba Linda, which faced significant challenges and costs due to their own voter approval requirements for land use changes.

The speaker concluded with a call to action, urging residents to vote against Measure U to prevent what they described as a dangerous and misleading policy that could negatively impact property values and the overall economic health of Huntington Beach. The discussion highlighted the ongoing tension between city governance and community interests, setting the stage for a critical decision ahead of the upcoming election.