Millbrae residents urge council to rescind July 7 interpretation of Measure FF term limits

Multiple residents urged the Millbrae City Council on July 21 to rescind its July 7 interpretation of Measure FF and let voters decide term-limit rules. Jean Wong, who identified herself as a 28-year Millbrae resident, said the interpretation was "totally wrong," accused the council of using a loophole and called the special meeting notice "24 hours public notice." She asked the council to "rescind the vote on Measure FF interpretation" and place a clear initiative on a future ballot so "voters... will have an opportunity to decide for themselves."

Grace Zurb, who said she is a Burlingame resident with a financial interest in regional boards, argued the city attorney's interpretation departs from historical practice and the measure's intent. Zurb said the purpose of extending allowable consecutive terms was to retain regional leadership continuity, not to require a new four-year waiting period, noting that "former council members who reached the two-year term limit often returned after that two years," and citing examples of past council members who returned after a two-year break. Another commenter, Crystal Nikoff, urged that "this whole matter should be put to the voters and not have the council decide for us," and online caller Louise Velasquez asked the council to rescind the decision, calling the July 7 action short on notice and transparency.

Ken Smith, who also addressed the council, emphasized the practical effect on candidates and said that limiting returns to a four-year wait "wastes our taxpayers' monies"; he argued the voters' intent supported a shorter break. The public commenters framed their requests as remedies the council could take administratively (rescinding the interpretation) or by placing a ballot initiative; several noted the nomination window closes on August 7 and urged prompt action. The council adjourned to closed session after public comment.