Incorporation measure passes

A residents’ initiative to limit the Rancho Santa Fe Association’s involvement in future incorporation efforts passed by a landslide on Nov. 17.

Of the 1,221 valid ballots cast, 875 favored the bylaw amendment and 346 opposed it, reported General Manager Pete Smith. This represents about a 60 percent voter turnout rate.

Effective immediately, the measure changed the association’s bylaws to limit the board of directors from initiating or pursing cityhood or authorizing any incorporation-related expenditures without prior approval from the community.

The association has remained neutral on the issue. No matter which side prevailed, Smith said he was pleased to receive a decisive mandate.

“Whatever the issue, I don’t like to be close,” Smith said.

Proponents of the measure were largely anti-incorporation and hoped to lay the “divisive” issue to rest once and for all after a third attempt for independence failed earlier this year. Opponents argued it was unnecessary and poor legislation.

The change does not prohibit residents from pursing incorporation in the future.