This summer, when the RDA Board made clear its intention to
pursue its $500K "independent" study of redevelopment without
completing a thorough audit of its programs or its
[operating] processes I made a promise (to myself) to keep
quiet until the study was complete, and I think I have done a
good job so far. But it now looks like the study may be
meaningless before it’s ever completed.

In the spirit of goodwill [Happy Holidays!], I would like to
remind those individuals who believe that the City Council
takeover of the RDA is a bad thing, of two important facts:

(1) Under state law, the PACs have the legal right to pursue
litigation (with PAC funds) "to protect" the interests of the
PACs. But, the PACs must make the determination that the
City Council takeover is a threat to their continued
existence. It would require the scheduling of special
meetings of each PAC prior to December 21, 2004. In that way,
should the City Council vote to move forward with a takeover,
the PACs that have made a determination of "threat" could
immediately go to Superior Court and seek an injunction
staying any City Council action on the matter until after the
RDA's Independent Study is complete and presented to the
public [probably in the Spring of 2005], allowing sufficient
time for all the stakeholders to consider their options,
which should include asking: the City Council to schedule a
citywide advisory vote on the issue or initiating a
referendum to reverse the City Council's actions.

(2) The RDA "independent" study is suppose to answer what in
my opinion, is the most important question that everyone
seems to be avoiding... "Do we really need a redevelopment
agency?" And if so, why? The City Council's explanation for
wanting to takeover the RDA is just as well a perfect
rationale for eliminating the Redevelopment Agency all-
together. Don't let the City Council hijack the
conversation. If you don't win this battle, you'll almost
certainly lose the war.

Say "NO" to Redevelopment Merger, Expansion and Takeover!

Lewis Lester
Citizens Against Redevelopment Merger & Expansion
562-682-3827