Supervisorial Elections

“Supervisors: El Toro At Stake”

“Background: The Board of Supervisors is split 3-2 in favor of converting El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into a civilian international airport after the military base closes in 1999. With three board seats on the June [1998] ballot, that could change.”

“Analysis: The retirement of 4th District Supervisor Bill Steiner, a pro-airport vote, leaves his seat up for grabs. At least two of the five candidates seem to be lining up in the anti-airport camp: La Palma Councilman Paul F. Walker and Eric Woolery, a trustee on the county board of education. The other three candidates are Anaheim Councilman Lou Lopez, a supporter of the airport, and North Orange county Community College Trustee Cynthia P. Coad and Anaheim businessman Steve White, who’ve not made their positions on El Toro widely known.

Incumbent 2nd District Supervisor Jim Silva, a pro-airport vote, is facing a challenge from Dave Sullivan, Huntington Beach City Councilman; Sandra L. “Sandy” Genis, a former mayor and councilwoman from Costa Mesa; and Ralph S. Silva, a retired investigator for the District Attorney’s Office. Both Ralph Silva and Genis oppose a commercial airport at El Toro. Sullivan said he will wait until an alternative plan is made public later this month before deciding.”

“In the 5th District, Supervisor Tom Wilson, an anti-airport vote, is being challenged by a pro-airport opponent - Newport Beach Mayor John Hedges, who is also an airline pilot.”

“In each county race, a candidate needs more than 50 percent of the vote to win outright [in June]; if no one gets more than half the vote, there is a runoff in November between the two top vote getters.” The County’s new public relations firm is right up front about the job they have been hired to do.