Business Leaders Urged to Campaign Against Measure S

Gearing up for what polls indicate will be a close vote on March 26, Measure S opponents exhorted Orange County business leaders at a breakfast meeting Thursday to mobilize against the antiairport ballot measure.

“There is nothing more important to the future of Orange County than an international airport,” said Chapman University President James Doti, who cited major opportunities in Southern California’s foreign trade market. “The economy here has clearly grown since the end of the recession. The transportation system needs to grow with it.”

Measure S would repeal a previous initiative encouraging conversion of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station to a commercial airport after it closes in 1999. It would also disband the county’s citizens advisory panel and leave all general land use decisions to the Board of Supervisors.

Opponents of the proposed airport say it would increase noise pollution and traffic congestion and reduce the value of their homes.

During the breakfast, sponsored by the National Assn. of Industrial and Office Properties, the Orange County Minority Business Council formally announced its opposition to Measure S.

“Minority businesses are focused on international trade,” said Caleb Zia, council president. “If we are really serious about having more jobs for the ethnic community, we need a strong transportation system here.”

Others warned the 150 guests that thousands of job opportunities would be lost if the measure passes.

“We must confront what our infrastructure needs will be for the next 40 years now,” TV and radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt said. “It’s very hard to put in a strong transportation system. This is already there for us.”

According to a recent Times Orange County Poll, 41% of Orange County’s voters intend to support Measure S, while 40% oppose it. The rest remain undecided.