Study Vindicates Airport Foes

I see that the latest report on the airport plans for the El Toro site supports exactly what the opponents have been saying all along (“Report Says Airport Plans Off by 50%,” May 23).

The report points out the inexcusable exaggerations of the airport proponents.

This later and more accurate report shows that the proponents claimed twice as much usage as really will be available, and that the airport’s capacity to handle instrument approaches were also highly overrated.

So, the need is much less, and the dangers in landings are much higher. Is not this just what the airport opponents have been saying?

Newport Beach residents unhappy over some bothersome noise and wealthy investors with personal agendas should not be allowed to overturn facts and endanger the rest of Orange County’s residents.

IRVING E. FRIEDMAN

Laguna Niguel

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* Thank you so very much for your editorial on the needs of south Orange County (“South Orange County’s Needs Must Not Be Discounted,” May 26).

With July 4 upcoming, I am reminded of the Boston Tea Party and “taxation without representation.” We know what that led to. I am not suggesting a revolution, just a revolution in thinking by the Board of Supervisors.

Hopefully the facts will prevail:

1. El Toro does not automatically convert to a commercial airport. New runways, etc., are needed.

2. There are serious safety concerns, as well as the environmental impact of pollution--noise and air.

3. The cost of conversion is estimated at $1 billion plus--could an airport be financed?

4. Recent studies reveal--Is another airport even needed?

5. There are viable alternatives that will bring better jobs and upgrade Orange County into the next century.

Thank you again for your “voice” in Orange County. We need you desperately!

IRIS GORIN

Laguna Hills

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* Thank you for your recent editorial regarding the concerns and frustrations many South County residents are feeling.

Many of us feel we are at the mercy of a Board of Supervisors that does not address our interests. Our own representative, Marian Bergeson, does not even live in our community.

One month ago I wrote a letter to Bergeson addressing concerns over a proposed housing development. To date, she has not shown the courtesy of responding with even a form letter or phone call from one of her aides acknowledging receipt of my letter. The arrogance of the supervisors pretending to know what is best for us and their refusal to listen to our voices is appalling.

Currently, the majority of the population of Orange County resides in North County, whose votes and money the Board of Supervisors cater to while ignoring the voters in South County.

Those of us who are in unincorporated areas are in an even more precarious position, as we have no local government and are forced to rely on the Board of Supervisors to respond to our concerns.

The frustration is now being seen with the talk of annexation, areas forming new cities and consolidation of communities to give them more control over their lives.

More and more people are moving to South County each day and we will soon be a force to be reckoned with.

We will no longer tolerate our voices being ignored. It is time for the Board of Supervisors to take some action before the county is split.

TERRIE and

ROGERS McKINLEY

Aliso Viejo