EDITORIAL:

Recently, we editorialized that it’s time to move forward on Measure B.

The voters — 52% of them, or a majority plus about 1,500 votes — have said that a new city hall should be built on Avocado Avenue next to the central library.

Drop the arguments, we urged, and most importantly to one Alan Beek: Drop your lawsuit challenging the legality of the vote.

Naïve?

Wishful thinking?

Perhaps.

Measure B inflamed the passions of Newport Beach like nothing we’ve seen in recent years. Some wanted to keep an aging, overcrowded city hall where it is. Others proposed building a new city headquarters at the OCTA site.

And in a last-ditch effort, others pushed a plan to build on Irvine Co. property.

But most favored Measure B, which could mean a new city hall next to the library and, hopefully, a park, within about two years.

So how about the City Council going a step further and voting in favor of the measure? The formerly divided council now appears to have a majority. Mayor Ed Selich has stated that “the voters have spoken,” and it’s time to fulfill their mandate.

OK then, council.

Formalize it. Historicize it. Vote on it.

If you do, it won’t be just about the people’s will, but about the council’s will, a council, by the way, that chose to listen to its residents.

Where would that leave Beek’s costly, time-consuming lawsuit?

Hampered at the least.

Moot at best.

As it should be.

Your move, City Council.