We are disappointed that two potentially harmful lawsuits that
could knock out the vote on the Growth Control Initiative next
March are still alive after Wednesday’s hearing in Superior
Court.
But we understand and respect Judge Steven Sanders’ decision to
disqualify himself from hearing the cases
– especially in the current climate of suspicion and doubt in
several of our appointed and elected officials.
We are disappointed that two potentially harmful lawsuits that could knock out the vote on the Growth Control Initiative next March are still alive after Wednesday’s hearing in Superior Court.
But we understand and respect Judge Steven Sanders’ decision to disqualify himself from hearing the cases – especially in the current climate of suspicion and doubt in several of our appointed and elected officials.
We have no doubt Sanders would have been informed and impartial on this issue, despite being county counsel for several years in the past.
His integrity is not an issue.
The issue is why there are serious threats to allowing the people of San Benito County to vote on whether or not to accept the Slow Growth Initiative.
Rebecca McGovern’s lawsuit, backed by out-of-county Earthjustice and its lawyers, is a misguided attempt to knock Measure G off the ballot where it belongs.
A second suit by an anonymous group calling itself Los Valientes would like to see Measure G disappear altogether.
Again, we reiterate that an educated electorate should make the decision on this issue that has divided the county so deeply.
The only positive and encouraging news on this issue in today’s Free Lance concerns two truly concerned and courageous people in our county: Joe and Julie Morris.
Despite the legal shenanigans that could make this messy issue even worse, or perhaps further inspired by them, the Morrises on Wednesday announced a third county growth workshop meeting set for Nov. 22.
This is the path that should and must be followed for the future of San Benito County. Learning about the complex issue and seeking cooperation or at least compromise are the real solutions.
The March vote should be kept on the ballot despite self-serving attempts to knock it off from both sides.
We should all follow the lamp the Morrises have kept lit, even in times when it looks like hope will blow out.
We trust that a judge with common sense will come in soon and end the litigious threats to the March vote.
And we again thank the Morrises on behalf of the county and strongly encourage everyone to attend the next workshop on Nov. 22.
The potential of these meetings goes beyond a single measure of county law.
It sets a sound path for all of us in San Benito County and our generations to come.
