Controversy Over Agency’s Suit Against Toll Road Foes

I am in complete agreement with your editorial “Tollway Lawsuit Has a Chilling Effect” (July 26). My group, Irvine Citizens Against Overdevelopment, has just recently been dragged through the overburdened court system by the city of Irvine and the Irvine Co. in their effort to overturn a referendum signed by more than 7,500 concerned citizens.

The signers of the referendum wished to have the proposed development, which lies adjacent to the northernmost section of our city in its sphere of influence, placed on the ballot in order that they, the residents of Irvine, could be afforded the opportunity to voice their deep concern regarding the future direction of their city.

It appears that these are the latest tactics currently being employed to squelch the citizens from having any voice in their government. The frightening aspect of the situation is that the taxpayers are now being forced to fund these slap suits that eventually wind up benefiting private development interests. Whether it’s the San Joaquin Hills toll road or the proposed Northwood 5 development, the fact remains it’s the public who loses.

MERYL SCHWARTZ, Irvine