Money, Politics and the Future of El Toro Base

* In reference to your article, “Lincoln Club Seeks El Toro Airport Ballot Initiative,” March 1), ‘I think your reporter did a masterful job of reporting the attitude and clout of this organization.

These people come across to me as a group who will do anything to push their agenda for an airport at El Toro regardless of who they hurt or impoverish in the process. This ballot measure is simply a smoke screen, and if it fails will probably be replaced by some other legal shenanigans.

They could accomplish their profit motive more humanely by backing Larry Agran’s great idea for the conversion as outlined in his recent article in The Times. They could still profit and create many more jobs than an airport could provide and at the same time allow the people in South County to live a peaceful life and protect the tremendous investment in their homes and businesses.

I appeal to the Lincoln Club to use their political power to enhance the quality of life of the people of South County and thereby benefit the whole county as well.

AARON SPEVAK

Laguna Hills

* I have tried to not get upset every time I read a story about the future of El Toro, but the latest ballot initiative (plan) is all I can take. After the initial uproar over the airport issue, our local cities were assured that all options would be considered, but now we are having the airport forced upon us again. If this issue becomes a ballot measure, the cities closest to the airport will never have enough votes or money to compete with the “pro-airport” cities. Orange County’s main population will vote for an airport that does not interfere with their quality of life.

Since the northern Orange County cities feel so interested in El Toro, I think a ballot initiative should be considered for Bolsa Chica.

It will also have an effect on the future economic state of Orange County. If we are not allowed local control, why should Huntington Beach? Maybe we should study the Disneyland expansion proposals as well as resurrect the Gypsum jail issue in Anaheim Hills. I have always believed the people affected most by any change should have the majority rights on property use, not the ones with the most money. But if we can have an airport forced on us, maybe we should rethink other issues around the county.

JANET NIBLICK

Laguna Hills