At a press conference today on the steps of City Hall, Cherlene Wright announced the formation of Citizens to Protect Redwood City (CPRC). Wright will serve as the chairperson of this locally-based, grassroots organization formed following the announcement of a proposed initiative to amend the city charter to be placed on November’s ballot.
CPRC believes the proposed charter amendment will take power away from the majority of voters and will circumvent the system of checks and balances already in place in our existing government charter. CPRC is opposed to using expensive special elections to determine land use planning and supports the voice of our citizens.
“The open space initiative is not about open space. It is a change to our City Charter and does absolutely nothing to provide for the transfer of lands, or payment, for restoration,"
Under the current process, new developments are evaluated exhaustively by city staff and the planning commission. Their analysis is publicized and presented to the community and community members are invited to give their opinions at public hearings and open forums. The City Council weigh public input, consider all aspects of the proposal and make an informed decision based on the best interests of the City and its residents. If the citizens of Redwood City disagree with the Council’s decision, the existing charter allows for the placing the project on an upcoming ballot for public vote, in which a simple majority of voters decide the matter.
“When it comes to letting the voters decide in Redwood City, our existing process is far from broken," stated Wright.
Citizens to Protect Redwood City encourages every member of our community to learn as much as they can about the proposed charter amendment and its impacts on our City’s future before voting in November. The full text of the amendment, a legal interpretation of its impacts, public commentary and additional information is available online at www.protectredwoodcity.org.
