Referendum Is Urged for Alien Policy : Councilman Favors Advisory Measure on Costa Mesa Issue

A Costa Mesa city councilman has proposed that the city’s controversial policy of withholding money from groups aiding illegal aliens be placed on the ballot as an advisory referendum, but other council members say that such a vote isn’t needed.

Councilman Ed Glasgow, who voted for the policy along with Mayor Peter F. Buffa and Councilman Orville Amburgey, said that he is concerned because of vocal opposition that has surfaced since the Aug. 8 vote.

“That’s contrary to what my constituents tell me,” he said. “The input I get is that it’s supported by 80% of the people. I’d like to know if my input is accurate or not.”

The City Council voted 3-2 earlier this month to withhold funds from any organization--except those providing medical aid--that assists illegal aliens. Those opposed to the policy have said it would be a costly, bureaucratic burden and lead to discrimination against Latinos.

Two council members who voted against the policy weren’t enthusiastic about a referendum.

“I generally like to get the public’s input, but it seems like we’ve already had a tremendous amount of input on this,” said Councilwoman Sandra Genis. “It seems like there’s a whole bunch of other stuff we could put on the ballot. It’s an interesting idea, but at the same time, I think we could have a 20-page ballot.”

Councilwoman Mary Hornbuckle, who also voted against the policy, said an advisory referendum would be a waste of money, even though she said her calls have run 90% against the policy.

“If we’re not out in the community enough to know what the community wants, I don’t think we’re doing our job,” she said. “This seems like we would be weaseling out of making our own decision.”

Amburgey said that an advisory referendum might be needed if support for the policy was split about 50-50, but his indications are of strong support.

“It’s not even close,” he said. “With that kind of support, I see no need for an advisory election.”

An advisory referendum would cost $15,000, said City Manager Allan L. Roeder, and it is too late for the issue to appear on the November ballot. Instead, the city would have to wait for the next general election, in June, he said. An option would be holding a special election at a cost of $46,000, Roeder said.

Although they are opposed to a referendum, Amburgey and Genis said they would be willing to discuss it at a council meeting. Hornbuckle said such a discussion would be a waste of time. Buffa could not be reached for comment.

Besides getting letters and phone calls from residents, council members have received a petition bearing signatures of 120 residents in favor of the policy. They were gathered by Costa Mesa resident Patricia Schuda. At a meeting earlier in the month, she brought a petition with 44 signatures.

Meanwhile, some disagreement has arisen among council members on how the policy would apply to Share Our Selves, which provides medical and dental care and food and clothing for the needy.

Amburgey said that only SOS’ medical and dental care should be exempt from the policy. But Buffa says the exemption should cover all of SOS’ services. He said he would consider changing his stance if SOS wasn’t entirely excluded.

The city is waiting for word from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is reviewing the policy to see if it conflicts with guidelines barring discrimination on the basis of national origin.