Voters Decided Means to Plan El Toro

It is most unfortunate that the Los Angeles Times continues to ignore the fact that a county ordinance was passed by the initiative process per our state Constitution.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors has by this ordinance assumed their planning responsibility for the reuse of El Toro--period! A straightforward public participation process is established.

First, the 13-member El Toro Airport Citizens Advisory Commission, with broad planning authority, is created with ample opportunity for participation by representatives of affected communities.

Second, the policies and plans adopted by the advisory committee would be submitted to the (county) Planning Commission, which has two members out of five representing supervisorial districts that include the area around El Toro. Their recommended action would be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final action and submission to the appropriate federal authorities.

By redefining roles in the initiative, there is no (El Toro Reuse Planning Authority) purpose as it is currently structured. A major election issue was that the reuse of this countywide economic asset should be decided by the countywide elected board.

Legally, the board could not simultaneously assume the powers mandated by the ordinance, put on a different hat (as the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority) and administer similar powers.

The citizens have set the course through the democratic process. The campaign is now over. A new set of rules have been imposed that set forth a fair and logical governing process. Let’s move forward with fairness and intelligence in developing this opportunity for a healthy economy in the 21st Century.

GEORGE ARGYROS

Costa Mesa

George Argyros was one of the major proponents of Measure A, the ballot initiative for an airport at El Toro.