Group’s Stance on El Toro Draws Fire

Angry City Council members Tuesday night publicly lambasted the Chamber of Commerce’s executive board for opposing Measure S.

Mayor Mike Ward said he regards last month’s vote by the chamber’s executive board to oppose Measure S as a vote in favor of building a commercial airport at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.

The council has endorsed Measure S, which would repeal Measure A if passed.

Measure A called for a commercial airport at the Marine base after it closes in 1999. Ward said 70% of Irvine voters opposed Measure A in the November 1994 election, and the council has taken a strong stand opposing the plan.

After reciting a litany of pro-business decisions made in recent years by the City Council, including a pledge of $360,000 for a program to attract tourism to the city, Ward called the chamber’s board “felony dumb” for opposing the March 26 ballot initiative.

“I consider this a slap in the face by the Chamber of Commerce, an out-and-out slap in the face,” Ward said. “I want to be there when this chamber comes to us and says . . . ‘We need another $400,000.’ Because I’m going to think about this before I award that money.”

Jacquie Ellis, the chamber’s executive vice president, said Wednesday that the business group’s vote is representative of the views of its 938 members.

“The Chamber of Commerce does not represent the city of Irvine or the residents of Irvine,” Ellis said.

“It’s a membership organization that represents the business community. I would not expect the Chamber of Commerce to agree with the city 100% of the time.”