April 4, 2000 VIA FACSIMILE AND U.S. MAIL
Chairman Charles V. Smith
Orange County Board of Supervisors
County of Orange
10 Civil Center Plaza, 5th Floor
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Dear Chairman Smith:
In light of Judge James Otero's ruling rejecting the County's motion to stay the effectiveness of Section Four of Measure F, the spending restrictions imposed on the County and the Board of Supervisors will become effective on April 7, 2000. We concur with the sentiments expressed in the April 2 editorial of the Los Angeles Times that "the board should comply cooperatively" with those restrictions.
However, those restrictions were never intended to completely stop, and they do not completely stop, the generic process of base reuse planning. As I wrote in my March 15, 2000 letter, the restrictions instead were intended to bar the County from spending funds "to implement or promote an airport plan," except as otherwise permitted by Measure F.
There are some County expenditures that are, without question, barred by Measure F. For example, the County's public relations efforts to proselytize County voters are undoubtedly barred by Measure F. At the same time, however, other proposed County expenditures are permissible under Measure F. For example, operating the base golf course and stables, and providing security services at the base are clearly permissible.
For that reason, if questions arise in the implementation of Measure
F and its spending restrictions, we urge the County to consult with ETRPA
first, rather than again seeking the immediate intervention of
the Court. Such consultation with ETRPA might well eliminate,
or at least reduce any need for further Court proceedings involving the
implementation of Section Four and may also avoid unnecessary legal costs
for all parties.
Yours very truly,
Paul D. Eckles
Executive Director
cc: Supervisor Thomas W. Wilson
Supervisor Todd Spitzer
Supervisor James W. Silva
Supervisor Cynthia P. Coad
Laurence M. Watson, County Counsel
Janice M. Mittermeier, County CEO
ETRPA Board of Directors
ETRPA REMT
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