Ballot Measures S and T to Be Debated Saturday

Two hotly contested ballot initiatives--Measures S and T--will be debated Saturday at a Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Retired Judge Bruce W. Sumner, chairman of the Orange County Charter Commission, will face off, for a second time, with Orange County Treasurer John M.W. Moorlach in a debate over Measure T, which would enact a county charter.

Developer George Argyros--who helped bankroll Measure A, a successful 1994 voter initiative to convert El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into a commercial airport--and Laguna Niguel Mayor Patricia C. Bates will debate Measure S. The ballot proposition would repeal Measure A.

Measures T and S are on the March 26 ballot.

Sumner helped write Measure T, which would limit supervisors to two four-year terms, establish a strong chief executive officer to run county operations and make several elective county posts, such as treasurer, appointive. Moorlach opposes the measure.

Supporters of the charter say it would repair some of the structural flaws in county government exposed during the bankruptcy. Opponents argue that the charter revision would place too much power in the hands of bureaucrats and would weaken the power of elected officials.

Argyros and Bates will argue the pros and cons of converting the air base to commercial aviation. It is scheduled to close in 1999.

Most South County cities have endorsed Measure S, arguing that an airport would create excessive noise in their communities. Measure S supporters also say property values would decrease with a commercial airport nearby.

Proponents of converting the base, who oppose Measure S, believe a commercial airport would create jobs and improve the county’s economy.

The luncheon is at noon at the Five Crowns Restaurant, 3801 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. The cost is $14. Information: (714) 673-4050.