Tonight the Pleasanton City Council will consider putting an advisory measure on the ballot in November 2015 or March of 2016 to take the temperature of voters regarding the future of the east side of Pleasanton.

We believe that would be a waste of taxpayer time and money. First, it's an awful lot of taxpayer money for an advisory vote - anywhere from a low of $200,000 to a high of $500,000 depending upon the month. Second, can you really learn anything from a vote on an incomplete plan that's clouded by uncertainties? 

Specifically it makes no sense to vote on an incomplete plan before uncertainties about water availability and transportation funding for El Charro are resolved.

We think it makes sense for the City Council to stop the planning process with the conclusion of the EIR comment period this month; terminate the EPSP Task Force immediately and not proceed with EIR certification until such time that the City Council believes the uncertainties are resolved. In essence, hit the pause button until the time is right to resume planning.

The precedent for this was set last decade when the City came very close to appointing a task force to pursue a new library and civic center, but halted because we were in the midst of an economic drought and instead of water it was revenue that was uncertain. 

With the economy fully recovered, the City resumed interest in planning for a new civic center and library. They are expected to name a task force later in the month.

With the blessings of the east side property owners, who have invested several years and $1 million in the process, let's stop until the uncertainties are resolved, then get back to the thoughtful, timely planning that had so much to do with Pleasanton being named by Wall Street 24/7 as the fourth best city in America in which to live, work and raise a family.