In the throes of a heated political debate, the real issues often fall by the wayside. Such is the case with Encinitas’ Proposition A, the ballot measure asking voters if Ecke Ranch should be allowed to rezone half of its land to build houses.

Accusations of greed, envy and doublespeak abound on both sides of Proposition A.

But when voters go to the polls Tuesday, they should focus on the facts.



FACT We don’t know the impacts the Ecke development will have on traffic and the environment. The city’s environmental study of the proposal, which was supposed to be finished before Election Day, is not ready.



FACT Ecke Ranch is still asking voters to approve the zone change without showing us that it really needs the capital to modernize. Paul Ecke III says he needs to develop the land for the company to survive, but he refuses to disclose the ranch’s financial information to prove it.



FACT The ranch represents half of the agriculturally zoned land left in the city. Once it’s developed, we’ll never get it back. With only 130 acres left to preserve the city’s heritage, we should be wary of developing 38 acres of it.



FACT Ecke has said it would be “foolish” to use his own assets to “save” the business. As we’ve said before, if he thinks using his assets would be foolish, then it’s insane for the city to give up its heritage to save a private business.



FACT The land was zoned in 1994, with Ecke’s approval, to be agricultural in perpetuity —that’s forever, not just 11 years. Back then, city planners realized that in the “flower capital of the world” there was no land set aside for agriculture, so that 130 acres was zoned to preserve it.



FACT Philanthropy doesn’t make someone always right. The Ecke family has contributed much to this and surrounding communities, and we’re grateful. But that doesn’t mean that all of their plans are right for the entire city.

Though the vote is only advisory, make sure the City Council hears you loud and strong on Tuesday. Proposition A is not about flowers, it’s not about Ecke’s wealth and it’s really not about saving Ecke Ranch. It’s about preserving what’s left of an agricultural legacy that sits at the root of Encinitas.

More houses won’t grow flowers, and they won’t preserve our heritage.

Vote no on Prop. A.