Conversion of El Toro Base: Will It Fly?
I find it comforting to know that Newport Beach Deputy City Manager Kenneth J. Delino is so very concerned about the citizens of Lake Forest, Irvine and Laguna Hills (“Boon Foreseen in Conversion of El Toro Base,” April 21). I would like to thank him for the suggestion that we add additional jet noise and a prison to our town.
Having seen my property values decrease by 9% to 10% in recent years, I welcome the opportunity to trade the occasional Marine jet flyby for a 747 cargo jet every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day. Not!
I wholeheartedly agree with Ken Bruner (spokesman for Supervisor Thomas F. Riley), who said that the study by Economic Research Associates was commissioned to reach a predetermined conclusion.
Why are Newport Beach officials so concerned with converting the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into a civilian airport? Could it have anything to do with that small airport (John Wayne) creating noise in their own wealthy back yard? Why spend so much money building such a nice terminal at John Wayne and then move the airport three miles away?
Let’s bring this issue out in the open. This has nothing to do with creating jobs and bringing income into Orange County.
The only reason I can see for such dedicated concern by Newport Beach officials is to reduce jet noise in their own city, period!
MARCUS S. KINTON
Lake Forest
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