Residents press council to stop litigation and let voters decide; criticize outreach

Several members of the public told the council it should let voters decide the fate of the initiatives rather than continue litigation. Lynn Swain said "Nearly 30,000 Newport Beach residents signed petitions asking to put these measures before the voters" and criticized the council for spending taxpayer dollars on appeals rather than honoring those signatures.

Walter Starr, who called himself in favor of proceeding with a parallel election, said he was "dismayed" by further appeals and urged the council to focus on holding the election. Carol King likewise called the decision "the dumbest thing I have ever heard" and said the council's communication with residents is poor. Several speakers said they had not received email notification of the special meeting and urged the city to improve outreach so residents can participate and understand what they are being asked to vote on.