FAIR GAME:All signs point to a vote

Where to locate city hall in Newport Beach? That’s the million-dollar question.

Hang on, let me restate that: Where to locate city hall in Newport Beach? That’s the $50- to $80-million question.

Today we have the latest in the update of the Ficker movement.

But first, one Phillip Lugar wrote a letter this week as a private citizen, and not representing his role as a member of the parks, beaches and recreation commission. He was complaining about a number of things. Me, in particular.

I think he’s mad at me because I suggested calling the land above the Newport Beach Central Library Debbie Allen Park, instead of Phillip Lugar Park.

But as far as I’m concerned, Phillip, the naming rights are open for discussion.

Anyway, Lugar said I was wrong in my characterization of Allen and that she has proved that hearsay evidence against her is wrong.

The claim was that Allen potentially had a conflict of interest in her role as a parks commissioner, during her discussions and influence on land located within 500 feet of her property over a six-year period.

Lugar says I owe Allen an apology.

Maybe he’s right, so here goes: I’m sorry, Debra, that you live within 500 feet of the park area and that city hall might be your new neighbor.

Phillip, hope that suffices.

As far as I’m concerned, if Allen truly believes she has proved that she is right and has absolutely no conflict of interest, then why is she recusing herself from future discussions on that parcel of land? She should maintain her right and demand to participate.

The reason — she can’t prove it! It won’t stand up.

And the same to council majority. If you feel Allen has no conflict, then quit trying to fool us with this half-hearted “inoculation” cover-up.

Who are you kidding?

Anyway, on to the Ficker front.

A group working with Bill Ficker, a longtime Newport Beach resident, architect and America’s Cup winner, recently completed a survey on the location of a new city hall.

The survey was completed by Wilson Research Strategies out of Washington, D.C. It was conducted in early April and polled 300 likely Newport voters. Its margin of error is 5.7%.

So what did it say, you ask?

First of all, it recognized the three biggest issues facing our city are traffic or congestion, overdevelopment and growth, and a city hall.

It also gave a favorable rating to our City Council members, in particular Mayor Steve Rosansky and former Mayor Don Webb, but also to new Councilwoman Nancy Gardner.

It went on to say that, overwhelmingly, residents did not feel there was a shortage of passive or recreational parks.

Fifty-eight percent acknowledged that the time has come for a new city hall, and 64% say it belongs in Newport Center. Of those questioned, 90% said cost should be a consideration in the location, and 31% said it was, in fact, the most important consideration.

When asked whether the site above the Central Library was a good idea or bad idea, 53% thought it was good, 36% bad.

Respondents were then put through two scenarios. First, the City Council has determined that city hall should be built in Newport Center. Even though the cost of land is more than $8 million an acre, it is important to go this way in order to protect the park and honor the contract with the people of Newport Beach. Second, the city owns 12.5 acres behind the Central Library that is currently proposed to be a passive park. The new city hall would require less than three acres, and it could be incorporated within the park.

Drum roll please.

Of all respondents, 16% favored retaining the passive park and going elsewhere for city hall, while 60% said city hall would be their choice above the library.

Just for the record, 18% didn’t care for either.

So far, Rosansky, Webb and Councilwoman Leslie Daigle have supported the city hall idea above the Central Library.

Councilwoman Nancy Gardner has an obligation to the people she serves in her district and opposes it. I respect that.

The others, too, oppose it.

Expect a vote to decide the issue next February. You’ll see signature petitions circulating soon.

To date, there has still not been a formal study of city hall above the Central Library. Only token gestures to skirt the issue.

Remember Greenlight?