Ryukyu Shimpo and Okinawa Times gave prominent coverage to Ginowan Mayor Matsukawa’s decision not to participate in the Feb. 24 prefectural referendum on the FRF construction off Camp Schwab, criticizing the municipal leader and the assembly, which refused to fund the local administrative work for the plebiscite, for “depriving local voters of an opportunity” to voice their opinion on a key policy issue. As the municipality hosts MCAS Futenma, the dailies expressed concern that its non-participation will raise doubts about the significance of the vote. A local civic group is reportedly preparing to file a lawsuit against the municipal government so that local residents can participate in the referendum.