Judge Delays Ruling on El Toro Airport for More Arguments
An anxiously awaited court ruling on the fate of El Toro Marine Corps Air Station was postponed Friday when a San Diego Superior Court judge instead scheduled additional legal arguments in the case.
Opponents and supporters of a commercial airport at the military base were disappointed by the postponement. However, they praised Judge Charles R. Hayes for not rushing to make a decision on the validity of Measure A, an initiative narrowly approved by Orange County voters in November 1994 that calls for a commercial airport at El Toro.
“Never have so many blood pressures been raised for so little reason,” joked attorney Michael Gatzke, who is representing Orange County in the legal action.
Legal arguments are scheduled for Thursday.
Several South County cities filed suit against Orange County over airport plans, alleging the proposal failed to take into consideration the environmental effects of an airport. Several North County cities joined in the dispute, siding with the county’s position that Measure A was valid.
The case isn’t the final word on El Toro. Voters go to the polls March 26 to decide Measure S, a rival measure that would repeal Measure A.
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