ENCINITAS — Councilmember Luke Shaffer on Wednesday defended his comments at last week’s meeting about the Quail Meadows Apartments project, saying his remarks had been “taken out of context for partisan political objectives” and reaffirming his commitment to serving Encinitas.
“My words were meant to express my commitment to standing up for our town and what we believe is right, not to promote violence or division in any way,” Shaffer said. “Unfortunately, there are individuals who have opposed me from the very beginning who are now trying to misrepresent my words to tarnish my reputation.”
Shaffer’s response came amid criticism over his statements at the council’s Feb. 12 meeting, where he voiced opposition to state-mandated housing policies and raised concerns about development projects impacting city safety.
During that meeting, the council voted 3-1 to deny two appeals of the Quail Meadows Apartments project, allowing the 448-unit development to move forward despite concerns about traffic congestion, drainage infrastructure and the impact on nearby wetlands.
The decision followed hours of public debate and council deliberations, including remarks from Shaffer, who framed his opposition to state housing mandates in historical terms, comparing them to early American struggles against foreign rule.
“We have to remember where we started. In this country, we started with a dictator from across the water coming in and telling us how to live our life,” Shaffer said during the Feb. 12 meeting. “I am willing to go stand there on the freaking property myself and say, ‘Not my property, not now.’ If another man or woman wants to stand out there and say, ‘You don’t get to bring your trucks out here,’ I’m willing to do that. At some point, there have to be people that are willing to pick up a rifle. That’s why we get to have this.”
Shaffer later sought to clarify his remarks, stating that his words were distorted and emphasizing his dedication to protecting the city.
“I hope you can see that, I really do,” Shaffer said. “(Protecting the city is) the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. Don’t be misled by the twisting of my words for political purposes.”
Mayor Bruce Ehlers cautioned against aggressive opposition to state housing policies, warning that rejecting projects outright could lead to losing local control and legal consequences under state law.
“Even if you can act in a day, in two days, five days, it will not take long to get one or more Builder’s Remedy applications in place; that is the trigger point,” Ehlers said. “It may feel good to sit up here and say, ‘Hell no,’ but you’re ultimately costing Encinitas a hell of a lot more and causing irreversible harm.”
Community members also weighed in on Shaffer’s remarks, with a number speaking in support of the first-time elected official on social media following the meeting. During public comments at this week’s meeting, several residents criticized his remarks, including resident Brian Stone, who called them “reprehensible,” and Marlon Taylor, a veteran and school board member, who described them as “particularly troubling.”
Both Stone and Taylor also criticized Ehlers for a separate remark in which the mayor apparently likened California’s housing policies to the Holocaust.
Former Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz addressed Shaffer’s comments at Wednesday’s council meeting, saying they were “a shame,” particularly in light of the newly elected councilmember’s recent oath of office, in which he pledged to support the California Constitution.
“Land use matters have always been the most important in our community, and it made somebody speak about picking up rifles to keep development from happening, which was a shame,” Kranz said. “It was a shame to hear you say that you declared the state an enemy when just months ago, you took an oath to support the state constitution.”
Shaffer maintained that his focus remains on the well-being of Encinitas residents.
“At the end of the day, I’m a father, and I’m a husband. I was born and raised in this community… I love this town deeply and will continue to stand up for all that live in it,” he said.
3 comments
A bunch of snivelers just waiting to pounce on anything they can.
Everyone knew what Luke meant, would they have gotten upset if he just mentioned the truck?
And he is right, the State is the enemy. When they take local control away to force pro developer projects that will destroy a City they are the enemy.
We elected them to stand up to Sacramento, too bad Jim was the only one to actually vote in favor of the appeals.
Did you overlook that “the state” is also elected representatives who were chosen by people who support their views? And I agree everyone knew what Luke meant – exactly what he said. Trying to impose his will on private property owners whose project is allowed by law, and threatening violence.
Nice try, pretty boy, but you can’t have it both ways! You are responsible for what you said, and nobody is distorting it but you! And Mayor Ehlers, what a disappointment. You need to train your acolytes to behave better in public. Sooner or later voters will realize that you sold them a bill of goods, making promises you can’t keep.
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