Supervisors Aren’t Acknowledging Those Opposed to Airport at El Toro

* Regarding “City Assailed for Base-Panel Tactics” (July 15), I find it ironic that two Orange County supervisors criticize Lake Forest for joining a coalition opposed to a commercial airport at El Toro, yet support those who promote it.

The supervisors support a ballot measure promoting the airport, yet refuse to recognize their responsibilities to those communities opposed. (Supervisor) Harriett M. Wieder is quoted: “I don’t generally believe in initiatives as a way of making public policy. I call it shopping-mall government. However, in this case the people need to be heard.” How about the people most directly affected, like those living in Lake Forest and the other three communities opposed to it? Do they deserve to be heard?

Only one South County member was permitted to join with the nine-member Reuse Planning Authority--that one is Lake Forest. (Supervisor) William G. Steiner is quoted: “It was a rather significant act to include Lake Forest . . . in the planning process for what is essentially land that is in the authority of the Board of Supervisors.”

It is obvious that those who are promoting a round-the-clock passenger and cargo-air facility at El Toro are Newport Beach residents, who are also investors and developers, and their lackey politicians. They see financial opportunities and the chance to rid themselves of some bothersome noise from John Wayne. Should the rest of Orange County suffer a sharp drop in living standards and property values to support this small minority?

Have the supervisors visited Inglewood/Lennox or Playa del Rey/El Segundo lately? Is this the future they envision for Orange County?

IRVING E. FRIEDMAN

Laguna Niguel

* (In) a recent Times article County Supervisors William G. Steiner and Harriett M. Wieder accuse Lake Forest officials of “playing both sides of the street” regarding the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station reuse issue.

Well, how about Steiner and Wieder? They supposedly support the official and “open-to-study” El Toro Reuse Planning Authority, while at the same time back the airport ballot initiative which mandates (no discussions or studies allowed) a commercial airport to be built at El Toro!

HERBERT L. FRANKLIN

Laguna Niguel