EDITORIAL:

Voters of Newport Beach have a historic opportunity this Tuesday to decide on the future of where the center of city government will be housed by voting yes or no on Measure B.

Should city hall be built on a parcel of vacant land next to the Central Library, or perhaps up the road in an Irvine Co. location at the north end of Newport Center in what is being commonly called the 500 block?

Whatever the voters decide, the consequences of Tuesday’s vote are indeed huge for the city of Newport Beach.

Here are the details: Some years ago, officials in Newport Beach decided that a new city hall is needed. The current location on Balboa Peninsula is too small, the parking is difficult and staff members spill out into temporary trailers,

Despite the clear need for change to city hall, a consensus could not be found on place or price.

Enter Bill Ficker, a noted yachtsman and architect and longtime Newport Beach resident, who believes the city already has the land it needs, a 12-acre parcel that sits north of the library between Avocado Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard.

The problem with Ficker’s plan is that land has been promised for years as a park. While no park has been built there yet, many have worked hard at planning one, and they are adamantly against taking any portion of the land for a city hall.

Ficker’s vision has both a city hall and park coexisting peacefully in this location, noting that most likely only 3 acres of land will be needed for the city hall site.

And better yet, having a city hall in the park next to the library will create a crown jewel of a civic center that is deserving of Newport Beach, Ficker believes.

We at the Daily Pilot have endorsed the park plan.

But to be sure, if voters decide not to build the facility on the park land, we will respect that decision. Likewise, we urge those who oppose Measure B to do the same.

If Measure B loses, that should be the end of the debate. If it wins, that should be the end of the debate. No lawsuits, no court challenges, no more squabbling and name calling.

Instead, let’s keep the best interest of the city at the forefront — not egos or politics.

So will it be a Super Tuesday for Ficker, or will the park supporters win the day?

In two days, we’ll know the answer. Meanwhile, we urge all to make a difference. Be a part of history Tuesday and go to the polls. There is much at stake not only here on the local level but statewide and nationally as well.

Get out and vote and make democracy the real winner this Tuesday.