Mathis Winkler
NEWPORT BEACH -- A late contribution of $40,000 from the Irvine Co.
has pushed the Measure T campaign into the black, according to a report
filed with the city clerk Tuesday.
While supporters of the initiative have spent $378,324 so far, the
total money raised now stands at $405,061.
The Irvine Co. has given $187,000 to the campaign, followed by the
California Assn. of Realtors, which gave $52,000, and the Building
Industry of Southern California, which gave $24,500. On Monday, the
campaign also received $5,000 from the political action committee of the
Orange County chapter of the National Assn. of Industrial and Office
Properties.
Measure T would add parts of the city's traffic phasing ordinance to
the City Charter and nullify Measure S, should voters approve both
measures.
Measure S, also known as Greenlight, proposes to put before a citywide
vote any development that allows an increase of more than 100 peak-hour
car trips or dwelling units or 40,000 square feet over the general plan
allowance.
Supporters for Measure S said the Irvine Co. has failed to understand
residents' concerns.
"We don't want them controlling the city anymore," said Phil Arst, a
spokesman for the campaign. "It is a concern that they are trying to buy
the election. ... We would hope the Irvine Co. would drop the attacks and
seek reconciliation with the community instead."
Measure T supporters countered, saying that as a major property owner
in the city, the company's support of the campaign was only logical.
"If I were the Irvine Co., I would spend as much money as possible,"
said Tom Edwards, co-chairman of the Measure T campaign. "If Measure S
passes, not only Irvine Co. property values will be depleted, but all the
value of all properties."
Measure S supporters have raised $76,381, less than one-fifth the
amount their opponents have raised. To date, the campaign's largest
contribution came from Stop the Dunes Hotel, a group opposing a proposed
hotel and convention center at the Newport Dunes Resort. The group gave
$10,271 in postage, printing costs and flier designs.
So far, Measure S supporters have spent $51,149.
Irvine Co. officials declined to say if they would contribute any more
money to the Measure T campaign, adding that they would reveal any
further donations as required by law.
While campaign committees and City Council candidates filed their
final preelection disclosure statements last Thursday, they are required
to disclose any contributions within 24 hours, according to city
officials.
