Colleen Macey: Why are Backers of the State Street Master Plan Afraid of Letting People Vote on It?

Colleen Macey questioned why some opponents of Santa Barbara’s State Street Master Plan are trying to prevent residents from voting. She said supporters gathered more than 8,000 signatures in just over three weeks and submitted the referendum petition to the city clerk last week. Macey pointed to the formation earlier this year of the State Street Business Alliance, formed by business owners and residents who felt their concerns were being ignored during City Council deliberations. She cited the council’s 6-1 approval of a plan to alter the historic downtown corridor, saying it carries an estimated price tag approaching $100 million. Macey argued the referendum right is protected by the California Constitution, that signature gatherers can be hired, and that criticisms about the process are misinformed, while noting that deliberate deception could be handled through proper procedures.