Council Is United in Opposing Measure S
Measure S, a controversial ballot initiative that would repeal voters’ approval of a proposed commercial airport at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, is nothing but bad news for Anaheim, the City Council said this week.
Mayor Tom Daly and other city officials are concerned that the initiative on the March 26 ballot would harm Anaheim’s lucrative tourism and convention industries by cutting off a potentially convenient gateway for visitors.
The ballot initiative would repeal Measure A, which was narrowly approved by county voters in November 1994. Measure A calls for a commercial airport to be established on 2,000 acres at El Toro after the military closes the base by 1999.
“Tourism is such a vital part of our local economy,” said Daly, who emphasized that if Orange County’s economy is to continue growing, the option of creating a new regional airport needs to be available.
Councilman Tom Tait, who joined in the unanimous vote to oppose Measure S, said a new commercial airport “would be a huge economic stimulus for the county.”
Opponents of the El Toro airport, many of whom live near the base, are concerned that noise and traffic generated by the airport would result in lower property values. Supporters of the airport say it would create thousands of jobs and revitalize the economy.
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