Shooting Down Airport Privatization Idea

The privatization of Orange County Airport, or any other airport for that matter, is nothing more than an attempt at a quick fix to the financial woes of local municipalities. After the quick fix and the old debts are paid off, where will the next infusion of money come from to fund new and ongoing municipal projects?

Arthur DeVany mentions (“County Would Be Better Served if John Wayne Was Sold Off,” Commentary, Aug. 2) the sale of British airports to British Airports Authority, but neglects to mention that after the takeover by BAA, user fees of the airports jumped 25% to 30%. Ultimately the British government had to step back in and put price controls on the BAA.

The problem with private monopolies is that they are under pressure from investor stockholders to maximize profits quickly and not operate as a long-term capital investment. If you think you are paying more now to fly out of Orange County, just wait until it is no longer operated by the county.

Right now the airport is self-supporting and does not cost the taxpayers a cent. What happens if the monopoly goes belly up? Who pays for the bailout? Private monopolies would no longer be responsive to the noise problems of the community. If you doubt this, just look at the noise problems with the Pacific Amphitheatre at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

I also must say that I am sorry Mr. DeVany found the airport “dull.” If he had taken the time he might have enjoyed the art exhibits that hang in the north and south ends of the terminal. These professional exhibits change about every six weeks. He also might have wondered at the 140-million-year-old fossils that are embedded in the marble throughout the terminal.

I’m sorry there aren’t enough television sets, but maybe if the monopoly takes over, the entire terminal can look like the Phoenix or Admiral’s Club, at user expense of course, and he can watch his favorite shows all day long.

ELEANOR TODD, Newport Beach