Commentary: Measure O would concentrate power, be risky for the city

Re: Devin Lucas’ commentary, “A vote for Measure O is a vote against union control,” (Oct. 21):

I am not affiliated with any union or employee association, but I still oppose the flawed and risky charter measure, known as Measure O.

I oppose Measure O because it forms a different kind of union, a union of three council members who will form a majority and have unlimited power over the residents of Costa Mesa. This powerful, three-member union would apply to all future councils if the charter is approved.

To understand the unlimited power, I suggest that all voters read proposed charter Sections 104 and 806 and the explanation of these sections, particularly 104, in the Ballot Title/Question, Summary and Description on the city’s website.

This last document describes the city’s interpretation of what each charter section means, and 104 is a real power-grabbing surprise because it means that the authority of all future council majorities is not limited to what is written in the charter.

I disagree with Lucas’ implication that the proposed charter will address the city’s current unfunded pension obligations. There is nothing in the charter that addresses this issue, nothing.

Also, I disagree with Lucas’ misleading comment on the prevailing wage. The proposed charter does not say, as Lucas indicates, that the city has the ability to accept or reject the prevailing wage.

The charter says the city shall not require the payment of the prevailing wage on public works projects that are solely funded by the city. As a result, the proposed charter risks Costa Mesa’s state funding because it conflicts with a 2013 California law that requires paying prevailing wages for certain contractors.

Attorney Lucas’ arguments for the proposed charter are not convincing.

I remain strongly opposed to the flawed and risky Measure O.

CHARLES MOONEY lives in Costa Mesa.