A broad base of voters are urging a NO vote on Measure R. The measure if passed would extend the term limit for Los Angeles City Council members from two to three terms. Measure R was placed on the ballot by the council itself and is widely seen by both progressives and conservatives as a blatant power grab.

What is most upsetting is the deceptive wording of the measure as it appears on the ballot “Shall the charter be amended and ordinance be adopted to change Council member term limits to three terms” No mention is made that the current limit is two terms and that a yes vote actually increases not decreases the number of terms allowed.

There are a number of very unpopular council members on the council who are now on their last term. Many voters will be happy to see them go. However, should this measure pass the people of those council districts might be stuck with them for another four years.

This past year the council has shown itself to be totally indifferent to the voice of local communities, preferring to listen to interests of corporate developers. None of the council members deserve another term in office, let alone an additional third term, not even the office of the President of the United States gets three terms. Legal challenges to the measure have to date failed so it is up to the voters not to be fooled by this measure.

Stop this power grab. Don’t be fooled by Measure R.

VOTE NO R