Letters

Tustin – State Senator Dick Ackerman, R-Tustin, today (September 24, 2001) announced his decision to oppose the proposed international airport at El Toro, a change from his previously neutral position.

“I have a great deal of respect for the various opinions that I have encountered from informed and thoughtful people on both sides,” Ackerman said. “After much study, discussion, and debate with numerous individuals over the past year, I must take a stand against an airport at El Toro.”

Ackerman said that after considerable review of the airport plan, and the regional demand, he is convinced El Toro is not the proper location for a new airport. He believes that a non-aviation use for El Toro is in the best interest of Orange County residents and the entire Southern California region.

“I have had contact with those who represent Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego Counties regarding regional airport needs,” Ackerman said. “I will continue to be involved in those efforts.”

Ackerman, who served for five years as the 72nd District Assemblymember, won election to the 33rd State Senate District last November. His prior neutral stance stemmed from a belief that the airport issue should not be decided in Sacramento, but by the residents and locally elected officials of Orange County.

“I strongly believed that all options deserved to be examined and I had great faith in the planning process,” Ackerman said. “However, I have come to the conclusion that the planning process for El Toro is flawed. Public support for the airport has steadily eroded, and there are no compelling arguments for a second Orange County airport.”

Ackerman will continue discussions with El Toro re-use advocates to determine what would be in the best interest of the 33rd State Senate District and Orange County.

August 28, 2001

Col. Bill Kogerman
Committee for Safe and Healthy Communities
25381 Alicia Parkway, Suite O
Laguna Hills, California  92653

Dear Bill,

It is with great pleasure that I join you in supporting the Orange County Central Park and Nature Preserve Initiative! I congratulate you on your consistent efforts against an airport at the former El Toro Marine Base.  Additionally, I congratulate you on your recent, successful court appeal.

As we have previously discussed, I do not believe it is in the best interest of Orange County to build an airport at El Toro.  The following are reasons for my belief:

1. We do not need additional air passenger/cargo capacity in Orange County.
2. Nearby communities want to expand existing airports (Ontario & San Bernardino) as well as build new ones (the former March Airforce Base).
3. SCAG statistics maintain that future airport demand will be in the Inland Empire, not in Orange County.
4. Our quality of life will only suffer if El Toro becomes an airport.

I look forward to working with you and all of the members of the Committee for Safe and Healthy Communities to ensure that El Toro does not become an airport.  Please feel free to contact me at any time if I can be of assistance to you in your efforts.

I remain respectfully,

John Campbell

ASSEMBLYMAN, SEVENTY-FIRST DISTRICT

February 1, 2000

Citizens For Safe & Healthy Communities

Dear Committee Members:

As a member of the State Assembly, I am responsible to the people in a large section of Orange County. I signed a petition for, and endorsed Measure F - - the Safe & Healthy Communities Initiative because I believe that the voters should have a choice in important matters that impact their quality of life. Passage of this Initiative will allow the voters to decide whether airports, large jail, or toxic dumps are built near their homes.

Specifically, the Safe & Healthy Communities Initiative will give the people of Orange County the opportunity to decide the issue of the use of the Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro as a commercial airport. I am opposed to its use as a commercial airport.

The recent release of the Airport Master Development Plan Environmental Impact Report 573 indicates that the runways are inadequate and will have to be replaced. The Report states because of runway replacement and other costs, the cost to develop a commercial airport will be $2.9 billion dollars! It is not a matter of simply changing the operations from military to commercial. It is very expensive.

I am also very concerned about the impact on the quality of life for the Orange County people who live around El Toro. I stood under the airplane pattern approach at Laguna Woods when a 747 was test landed. Its noise and vibration were not just painful to the ears but the entire body.

Vote Yes on Measure F. Give the people of Orange County a choice.

Sincerely,

Bill Campbell

Thank you for your recent e-mail expressing your opposition to the construction of a commercial airport at the site of the United States Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro.  I, too, am opposed to a commercial airport at El Toro.

I am quite familiar with this issue.  When Measure A, the county-wide initiative that called for a commercial airport at MCAS El Toro was placed on the ballot, I opposed that measure.  Subsequently, when Measure S was placed on the ballot to repeal Measure A, I endorsed it.

My opposition to Measure A, and my support of Measure S was based on my opposition to most instances of ballot box zoning.  When Measure A was passed, it took away from the process the ability for meaningful input from communities around the El Toro base and set things on a pre-determined path.  There was no way for a reasonable planning process to take place.  Measure A was poor public policy that should not have been proposed, and it was my sincere hope that a more informed electorate would pass Measure S.

In addition, I have not been convinced that an airport at El Toro is economically feasible.  I have personally spoken to an executive of a major shipping company who told me that they would not be moving their air freight operations to El Toro, even if there was a commercial airport there.  When you look a the major debacle that has taken place with the costs of construction at Denver International Airport, where overruns were so high that the local taxpayers there have been saddled with an enormous amount of public debt, I feel that there is a heavy burden of proof on airport proponents to demonstrate how such a major effort will be funded.  To date, this has not been proven to me.

I have submitted testimony to the Board of Supervisors (which has been designated by the Department of Defense as the Local Reuse Authority) expressing my dismay that the current process has excluded meaningful input from the local communities, and asking them to take into careful consideration the wishes of the effected residents.

I understand your frustration at a process that has been decided without your input.  Please be assured that I will keep your views in mind as matters come before me in the State Senate relative to this issue.

Again, thank you for taking the time to write me with your strong concerns about a commercial airport at MCAS El Toro.

Sincerely, JOHN R. LEWIS California State Senate

Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1998 17:09:17 -0400
From: Senator@boxer.senate.gov (Senator)
Dear Friend:
Thank you for writing me to express your views on the planned  conversion of El Toro Marine Corps Air Station to a commercial  airport.  I appreciate hearing from you.

I have several concerns with the Navy's reuse process. First, I want to be certain that the legitimate concerns of airport opponents are reflected in the federal Environmental Impact  Statement (EIS).  It is absolutely imperative that the Navy's EIS  be complete, fair, and accurate.

Second, I firmly believe that the communities surrounding El Toro deserve a voice in any reuse plan the Navy decides to implement.  Clearly, these communities will feel the greatest  impact of the reuse plan, and they must be given an opportunity for meaningful participation in the process.

Finally, I believe that the county should fully and fairly  explore non-aviation alternatives for El Toro.  I have urged the Navy to consider the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority's (ETRPA)  mixed-use plan as an alternative option to the airport.

I hope you will be happy to know that I have written to Navy  Secretary John Dalton to express these and other concerns.  Please  be assured that I will consider his response, along with your views, carefully before arriving at a conclusion on this matter.

Thank you again for taking the time to write to me.  Please,  keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Barbara Boxer  United States Senator

September 17, 1999

(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblywoman Pat Bates (R- Laguna Niguel) stepped-up her efforts to prevent airport development at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station by publicly announcing her support for the Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative. Bates, a longtime foe of an airport at El Toro, said that the County’s base re-use process continues to disregard the concerns of the hundreds of thousands of people who will be impacted by this project.

"No one in Orange County should have to worry that County Supervisors will decide to put a dump, prison or airport in their backyard. The Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative will give Orange County neighborhoods the right to be involved in the decision making process on these important quality of life issues.

Bates continued, "A small group of powerful people is controlling the planning process… a process that should be fair and open if we are to have a successful resolution of the re-use question".

Bates said, "The Safe and Healthy Communities initiative gives Orange County residents the right to be involved in the decision making process and is a protection against special interests whose agenda can dramatically change our quality of life."

The 73rd Assembly District is located in Orange and San Diego Counties and is comprised of the communities of Camp Pendleton, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Oceanside, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and parts of Carlsbad, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, and Mission Viejo.

Added: November 2000:
"I have been working to prevent an airport at El Toro since 1994 when the idea was first proposed.  As mayor of Laguna Niguel, past Vice Chair of ETRPA, and now as a State Assemblymember, opposing an airport at El Toro remains my number one priority.  Preserving South Orange County's voice in the planning process and preserving our quality of life are paramount."

* Contrary to your Oct. 30 editorial criticizing the county's planning process for reuse of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, the planning process has been a textbook example of thorough land use analysis, abiding by guidelines set by the Federal Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990.

The integrity of the planning process has always been one of the county's highest priorities. We are very proud of the level of analysis that went into preparing Community Reuse Plan and Environmental Impact Report 563--a level that was higher than the law required.

To suggest that the result of the planning process was predetermined is irresponsible and untrue. And to subsequently suggest that the county was "putting the health and safety of the public at risk," without providing any examples or reasoning for the accusation, is an unsubstantiated and unprofessional act.

The reuse plan has been studied, analyzed and debated more than any other issue in the history of Orange County. The decision to plan for a modern, vibrant airport community that will allow Orange County to continue to compete in the global economy did not come without years of careful examination.

We encourage public input during the current master planning process and will continue our commitment to thorough and credible planning.

COURTNEY WIERCIOCH
Manager, MCAS El Toro
Master Development Program 

Len, news of a citizens win over the big end of town and the political "mates" is something all of us here in Sydney like to hear about. This is great news indeed. Congratulations! If I were there I'd buy you a case of the best Aussie bubbly!! And a few beers too.

I shall include your news in my Sydney newsletter. It will bolster the troops!

Here in Sydney, there are now big splits in the Labor party over the airport issue, due to community pressure and good strategies, whereas less than a year ago they were all lined up against the residents and pro big business. Similar splits are appearing in the Liberal party. (These are the two main parties, the Libs are in power federally, and the Labor party are in power at state level in New South Wales). They tried to divide the community, but the community united and fought back, and turned the wedge back against them.

All the best, Janette 

July 10, 1997

It recently was brought to my attention that our Chairman Emeritus, Carl N. Karcher, wrote a letter to the County of Orange, dated October 9, 1996, expressing his support for the proposed Community Reuse Plan for El Toro, which subsequently was published on The El Toro Airport Info Site web page.

Please allow me to clarify that Mr. Karcher's letter represents his personal opinion and does not represent the opinion of CKE Restaurants, Inc. or Carl Karcher Enterprises, operator of Carl's Jr. restaurants. It is my understanding that Mr. Karcher has since written to the County of Orange to clarify that his position on the airport is personal. CKE Restaurants has not taken a position with regard to an international airport in El Toro, and we regret that Mr. Karcher's letter left the impression that his personal opinion was also that of CKE Restaurants, Inc. or Carl's Jr. restaurants.

Sincerely,
William P. Foley II
Chairman and CEO
CKE Restaurants, Inc.

I applaud your decision to have the Third and Fifth District Supervisors' offices work with our South County communities in developing a non-aviation reuse plan for MCAS El Toro. This decision permits the County of Orange to credibly proceed with the Master Plan.

When in December 1996 the Board authorized both an aviation master plan and a non-aviation plan, you increased the likelihood that our communities-of widely varied views on these subjects-will ultimately come together on a plan for the betterment of the entire region. The honest pursuit of the parallel non-aviation process is the best way to prevent "second guessing" of the ultimate reuse plan.

The provisions of Measure A dictate that the County prepare a viable aviation master plan. For this very reason, the County should not prepare the non-aviation plan, since to do so would create an apparent (and most likely genuine) internal conflict. It is not realistic, and certainly not sound from the standpoint of public perception, that the same entity should be asked to prepare both the very best plan and the very best competing plan.

If you agree that the County should task a group independent of the master planning effort to develop the non-aviation plan, then the soundest course would be to invite the seven South County cities most closely affected to help fulfill this function. Likewise, interested residents and groups could be brought into the process in the same way, by asking them to participate in the preparation of the most viable non-aviation plan. They should be given the opportunity to do so.

In fact, ETRPA is an organization of these very cities, residents, and groups. The Board of Supervisors and ETRPA could work together to devise a means of cooperation on developing the best aviation and non-aviation plans, respectively. Bringing everyone to the table, while difficult, is in everyone's best interest. After all, MCAS El Toro is an extremely valuable piece of real estate. As elected officials, we will discharge our mutual responsibility to the public trust, if we help avoid an unnecessarily contentious process that delays reuses and causes the base to lie fallow for many years to come. Delaying opportunities for redevelopment which can be providing new jobs and revenue will only create a further burden for the military, which now more than ever needs to recoup money from the transfer of land at closing military bases to sustain combat operations.

For these reasons, I hope you will continue exercising leadership by moving forward with the course you have adopted, in the process completing both the aviation and non-aviation plans. By charging the County with responsibility for the former, and the base's nearest neighbors with the latter, the public at large will gain the greatest opportunity to benefit from a first-rate examination of all the facts.

Again, thank you all for your commitment to success in this challenging process.

Sincerely,

Christopher Cox, U.S. Representative.

August 19, 1999

Contact: The Office of Honorable State Senator Bill Morrow

Senator Bill Morrow has announced his strong support for The Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative. This measure would put the decision making power in the hands of the people, requiring a two-thirds vote on projects that could affect the health and safety of a community.

Since the announcement that the MCAS El Toro would be closed Senator Morrow has been critical of the County's reuse plan. "The ink on the orders to close the military base was hardly dry before those who favor an airport were pushing their plans down our throats" Morrow stated. The Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative is the best way to stem the tide of plans and schemes that ache to waste valuable tax dollars and destroy the quality of life for thousands of citizens."

He continued, "As a former-Marine, it is a duty and honor to fight the good fight. I am announcing my official support for The Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative because I want to get into the trenches with the over 5,000 volunteers out there everyday getting the word out and collecting petitions."

Morrow vowed, "I am keeping a watchful eye on the process to insure that State law is not compromised in the County's inexplicable rush to build this airport. It will remain a high priority to do all I can to assist my constituents in their rejection of the County of Orange's intent to build an international airport at El Toro."

10 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 834-3330 (714) 834-2786 (FAX)
E-mail: tspitzer@dist3.co.orange.ca.us
WEBSITE: www.oc.ca.gov/supes/third/
Volume 1, No. 5 March 28, 1997

EL TORO REUSE UPDATE
LOCAL REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Board of Supervisors, acting as the Local Redevelopment Authority for the El Toro Reuse, met on March 25th to consider the following agenda items:

No. 1 - Dissolve Citizens Advisory Subcommittees.

After discussion, the item was amended and passed on a 5-0 vote. The amended item accepts the dissolution of the subcommittees with the understanding that standing Technical Advisory Committees will be formed to provide greater technical coordination and support. Staff will report back with a more fully developed organization plan for these groups.

From a public policy standpoint, I voted "no" on this recommendation. However, the item passed (3-2).  I believe that the Board's oversight duty was delegated away by the passage of this item. Neither the Board nor the public will have input to the selection process. The item passed does not require Board approval of the team managers.

I presented the following objectives as suggested criteria for evaluation of these requests from County staff:

1. Public Confidence. Design a program that is open and responsive and which avoids splintering the County. Maintain major decision-making on the project by elected officials and not just staff. Stay consistent with Board directives which dictated aviation and nonaviation be considered as parallel tracks.

2. Fiscal Responsibility. Identify funding sources for reimbursement. Identify all "hidden" staff resources allocated to this project.

I voted "yes" on the Specific Plan for Nonaviation Alternative, and "no" on all other individual requests. However, all requests were passed. Excluding the Nonaviation Alternative Plan, all other requests were flawed for reasons outlined below.

1. No cost estimates were on the table and no reimbursements from the selected firm were identified.

2. Funding sources are the General Fund, the John Wayne Airport and Harbor, Beaches and Parks budgets.

3. The Board's sole role in the selection process is to agree to one of the staff recommended and ranked contractors.
 

"...I will continue to oppose a commercial airport at El Toro Air Station."

"I believe that southern California needs a state-of-the-art international airport. However, future transportation needs will require different types of airport facilities than we currently use. March Air Force Base, which the base closure commission has voted to downgrade to a reserve facility, would be an ideal place for a new Southern California airport."

Ron Packard
U.S. Congressman

PACKARD SUPPORTS SAFE & HEALTHY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Today, Congressman Ron Packard (R-Oceanside) reaffirmed his strong opposition to a commercial airport at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station by announcing his support for The Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative. Packard, whose district includes portions of southern Orange County, said it's important for area residents to have a voice in the ongoing re-use debate.

Packard stated, "While I hope we may find a solution that accommodates our region's growing transportation needs, a multi-billion dollar commercial airport at El Toro is not the answer. Building a commercial airport in the middle of a residential area would not only dramatically change the quality of life in our communities, but could jeopardize the safety of thousands of residents."

He continued, "I respect the challenges faced by our county supervisors and other local officials, but I have serious concerns regarding a planing process which has virtually silenced the voices of those most impacted by El Toro. The Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative restores that voice and puts development decisions back in the hands of voters."

Packard continued, "No government agency should accept any transfer of base property before the Department of Defense completes a full environmental cleanup. Having just cleared itself of one bankruptcy, Orange County would be ill-advised to hastily acquire the closed Air Station at El Toro and assume the financial responsibility of cleaning up at the site. The cost of cleanup and the legal entanglements could exceed the counties wildest expectations."

Packard also reiterated his firm opposition to a no-cost transfer of the base property. He stated, "The base closure process was developed to save defense dollars. Depending on what it's eventually used for, the El Toro site has been valued at anywhere from several hundred million to a billion dollars. At a time when we are fighting for every defense dollar, it would be senseless to give this property away. No matter what reuse option emerges, El Toro should first be sold at fair market value. I appreciate Representative Chris Cox's leadership on this issue."

Reposted from the Honorable Representative Ron Packard's Website 

The following letter was sent from Congressman Chris Cox to the County of Orange in September 1996, during the debate on whether the county should approve a reuse plan for El Toro that centered on an airport.

Thank you for contacting me about the current status of reuse planning for the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.

I oppose any effort to force a commercial airport on an unwilling South County.

In recent months, over my vigorous opposition, the Clinton Administration has designated the County of Orange as the official reuse planning agency for El Toro. This unwise decision has short-changed Irvine, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Laguna Beach, and the other neighboring communities who have properly sought representation because of the direct impact that future use of the base will have on residents.

The current County reuse planning process is stacked against South County. The passage of Measure A, which I also opposed and campaigned against, has encouraged County planners to pursue an aggressive plan to displace the Marines with commercial aviation--even before the move to Miramar is completed as scheduled in 1999. However, as a result of legislation I successfully wrote and enacted into law, this will not happen.

My bill, now Public Law 101-189, will prevent the Secretary of the Navy from entering into any arrangement for commercial aviation at El Toro. All so-called "joint use" is prohibited by my legislation, even while the Marines are relocating their aircraft and personnel to other facilities.

This very worst aspect of Measure A planning process is that it is ignoring the huge loss to taxpayers that would result from constructing another public airport like John Wayne at El Toro. Taking the hugely valuable El Toro property off the local tax rolls forever--which is that constructing a public airport would mean--is fiscal irresponsibility defined. I oppose it, and will continue to work against it.

Instead of a hugely expensive public airport, the wisest use of the El Toro base will ensure that as much of is as possible becomes private property. This will generate property tax revenues to benefit the neighboring communities, rather than destroying their tax base. Click for more about this Cox position.

Finally, I want to see the federal government out of the planning process. The Clinton Administration has been arrogant and high-handed in "designating" the County as the "exclusive" authority for determining the future use of the base, in violation of the best interests of those most directly affected. So long as El Toro was dedicated to protecting the national security, it was acceptable that the federal government controlled the property, even though the result was that neither the County nor our local communities got any tax revenue from it. Now, however, the taxpayers are being asked to pay well over $1 billion to mover the Marines out of El Toro, and the land has been declared unnecessary to our national security. The federal government no longer has any legitimate reason for meddling in our local land use planning decisions.

I have met repeatedly with the Clinton Administration officials who decided to override South County in this process. (Representative Ron Packard has joined with me in registering our mutually strong objections.) You may rest assured that I will continue in this aspect of the battle as well, to see to it that a matter so close to the hearts and economic well-being of the residents of South County is not decided by others.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please don't hesitate to keep me appraised of your views as this process moves forward.

Sincerely,

Christopher Cox U.S. Representative

The following is taken from a letter dated February 24, 1997, from the senator to a resident of Irvine.

"Thank you so much for contacting me regarding the conversion of El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into an international airport."...

"As you know, the development of an airport at the El Toro Marine base has been a complex and controversial issue. It is my belief that the concerns of the residents, officials, and neighboring communities directly and indirectly affected by the development of an airport or other forms of base reuse should be thoroughly integrated into any development plan."

"Throughout this reuse process, I have been in close contact with all parties involved in this issue. Be assured that as this current reuse plan moves forward I will continue to carefully monitor all safety, environmental, noise, and other potential issues this planned reuse raises with the South County cities."

..."Please contact Erik Raven of my Washington D.C. office at (202) 224-3841."

Sincerely yours, Dianne Feinstein

News Release Supervisor Thomas W. Wilson

SANTA ANA, CA – Editorial by Supervisor Thomas W. Wilson Submitted to Orange County Register (Weeklies) November 4, 1997

On The MCAS El Toro Reuse Process

Since I joined the Board of Supervisors, I have heard or used the saying, "putting the cart before the horse," numerous times. When you think about it, it is a great analogy for many government programs and initiatives considering such programs often start with good intent yet proceed with untested methods. Such is the case with the reuse of MCAS El Toro.

All major efforts of government and the private sector require a formal planning process. During my years as a program manager with Rockwell International, I was responsible for multi-million dollar projects which required intensive planning. A planning process normally makes sense when you begin with an idea, collect information regarding its development and, once thought out, craft a decision based on resources and information developed from a sound process. It operates much the same in the public sector, though many projects of great scale may require a vote of the people. This idea also works well; however, it only works if an informed vote is made and executed at the correct decision point. As a norm, decision points are positioned at the end of a project when a case can be made for or against an idea or project. Sadly, this has not been the case with the reuse of MCAS El Toro.

The process for planning the reuse of MCAS El Toro has been on a suspicious path from the start. Not only was the cart put before the horse, it was done before even getting the horse out of the barn. A few years ago County residents were presented with an initiative, Measure "A," which promoted the economic advantages of an airport over and above any other reuse. Voters, not presented a viable choice and reflecting a regional split, supported the measure.

The tragedy of this planning process is exacerbated by a planning-by-ballot box mentality. Ask any public or corporate planner and they will tell you that such "front loading" of a planning process is a recipe for absolute disaster. Without the proper information no one can make a responsible decision. Worse yet, we are now bound by that vote as we begin the process of spending millions of dollars on an eventual reuse that may not be the most beneficial to all of Orange County nor even feasible.

What can we do? The process itself will benefit from the inclusion of the ETRPA non-aviation proposal and Supervisor Spitzer and I will continue to vigorously protect our constituent's interests. What is still needed is for the County of Orange to think twice about what a proper planning process is and is not. It is not a process fueled by a vote between vague, though rosy, economic predictions and "none-of-the-above," which is what Measure "A" was. (This is especially true in the aftermath of the County's draft EIR being deemed flawed by a Superior Court judge.) A proper planning process is about collecting objective, factual information on the best reuse for MCAS El Toro with the understanding that the highest and best reuse has positive economic and social benefits for all of Orange County. More importantly, it is about a credible planning process for determining such benefits -- clearly a perspective that both opponents and proponents of an airport can agree on.

SUPERVISOR TOM WILSON

Dear Mr. Kranser:

I just wanted to say thank you for all of your efforts regarding the reuse of El Toro MCAS. Your effort to disseminate the facts and to highlight the airport opponents point of view is highly commendable and well received by those of us who truly want to see a non-aviation use.

Many times citizens are intimidated by the thought of facing an omnipotent rival – and the County willing to spend billions of dollars could be classified as such – however, you have risen to the challenge and have remained steadfast in your commitment to serving all the public’s informational needs. The El Toro Airport Web Site under your editorialship has been a shinning star in presenting the public a side of the airport debate the County is scared to acknowledge: that an airport reuse does not make good sense and will degrade our quality of life.

Please keep up the excellent work. I appreciate all of your actions to keep me and my staff further informed of issues arising out of the airport debate. The pulse of the public is critical in our efforts to maintain our quality of life and ensure a non-aviation reuse of El Toro. Thank you for your efforts in this.

Sincerely,

THOMAS W. WILSON Supervisor, Fifth District

NO MORE EL TORO GLASNOST

It has been quite obvious that the pro-airport majority of the Orange County Board of Supervisors has never had any interest in the will of the people on this airport issue – the appearance of an Orange County version of Glasnost simply bought them some time.  While giving lip service to cooperation, the Board majority has continued to march forward with their own agenda to build an airport at El Toro. The majority’s actions in the recent Board officer elections seem to demonstrate a clearly orchestrated plan to propel Supervisor Coad into the Chair position.  It was obvious who would be captain and co-pilot of the El Toro airport machine – or is there some other plan afoot?

It may appear that the pro-airport forces have been amassing a number of superficial victories lately – a million plus on Washington lobbyists; Cynthia Coad as Board Chair; replacing one of two dissenting votes on a seven member airport land use commission and an adverse trial court ruling on Measure F.  None of these actions means that the county is one step closer to building an airport at El Toro.  To the contrary!

The reality is just below the surface.  On the county’s last trip to Washington they grudgingly allowed one of my staffers (not me or Supervisor Spitzer) to attend.  When Supervisor Smith gave a glowing interview to a reporter on the status of the negotiations, my aide was astounded at how far the supervisor’s rendition of events differed from what actually occurred.  Relating this difference between the truth and the fantasy the board would have you believe, is what has gotten us accused of not cooperating in their little charade.  So be it.

No, Glasnost is not over….In-fact, I don’t believe it ever really began.  There has never been a concerted effort to come together, regardless of the Board majority’s claims.  Frankly, if there were any real interest in working together, we would have a thriving leasing operation going at the base.  That just isn’t the case.  And it is not for lack of interest.

If there were true Glasnost, there would be equal representation on every trip to Washington.  Are my colleagues afraid that the equal representation would negatively affect the push for an airport at El Toro?  Will we ever know?  When can we expect the will of the people to be heard along side the voices of special interests in D.C.?.  I know sixty-seven percent of the voters in Orange County would support that idea.  Supervisor Spitzer and I have great strength backing us: We have the majority of citizens in Orange County on our side.

The bottom line is that the voice of the people must be heard above the voices of special interests forcing an unneeded airport on an unwilling populace.  The openness promised at the Board meeting last spring didn’t last until Chairman Smith’s gavel hit the desk.  However, Supervisor Spitzer and I continue to have the will of the people behind us.  That voice will be heard loud and clear in Washington, Sacramento and in the Hall of Administration.  Despite all the fanfare, nothing has changed, and the will of the people will ultimately carry the day.

THOMAS W. WILSON Supervisor, Fifth District

Issa Opposes Airport at El Toro, March 2000

Dear OC Voter,

One of the most crucial issues facing South Orange County is the proposed conversion of El Toro Marine Corps Air Station to a commercial airport.

I oppose a commercial airport at El Toro - period.

The Clinton Administration's decision to shut down El Toro was a bad one in the first place. I opposed the massive shut down of vital defense facilities like El Toro at the time because it left our nation vulnerable.

We must not compound that bad decision by allowing construction of a commercial airport at El Toro.

I recently met with several local leaders in the anti-airport coalition. We discussed strategies to stop the airport and protect our communites in the future, such as County Measure F - the Safe and Healthy Communities measure, which I support.

These dedicated people have volunteered thousands of hours to fight the airport. They, and you, deserve a representative in Washington who will fight side by side to protect our local communities.

I'm running for Congress to be your voice and to make a difference. Working together, we can stop the airport and protect our neighborhoods.

If you feel like I do about El Toro, please be sure to vote on Tuesday, March 7th. Thank you..

Very truly yours,
Darrell Issa

ASSEMBLYMAN, SEVENTYth DISTRICT

"I am opposed to the expansion of John Wayne Airport and to the construction of a commercial airport at El Toro. Those who say that another major airport is needed in Southern California should look at alternatives such as March Air Force Base in Riverside County, where the residents welcome the building of a commercial airport."

"What is special about Orange County is our neighborhoods, lifestyles and environment, not driving time from a major airport."

- OC Metro December 15, 2000

City can develop El Toro for the betterment of all

The Orange County Board of Supervisors took a bold step in creating a future for El Toro that will benefit all of Orange County. The city of Irvine's plan to annex El Toro offers parks, agricultural set-asides, higher education facilities and additional needed housing. It is important, however, that negotiation continues with the Navy to clarify the base commissary's future. The commissary is important for local military retirees and their families, whose service gave us the freedom to enjoy all Orange County has to offer.

While I have supported an airport plan, a solution was not presented that met a majority of residents' needs. We need to move ahead with a plan that everyone can agree on. The board's decision is a great opportunity to settle this contentious issue. I am hopeful the city of Irvine can seize the moment and use El Toro for the betterment of Orange County.

KEN MADDOX
Mr. Maddox represents the 68th District in the Assembly.

Website Editor: Mr. Maddox was appointed by Supervisor Charles Smith as the representative of the 1st District on the pro-airport El Toro Citizens Advisory Committee.