Some El Toro Airport Foes Question Wilson’s Loyalty

Newly appointed Orange County Supervisor Thomas W. Wilson has what is known in South County circles as “airport credentials.”

Wilson was one of the first to join a group of South County officials fighting a commercial airport at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. He’s backed up that position many times as a Laguna Niguel city councilman. And at his first news conference after the appointment Tuesday, he reaffirmed his stance: “On the airport, I’m voting no.”

But still, some in South County--mostly those who supported Laguna Niguel Mayor Patricia C. Bates for supervisor--question his loyalty on the El Toro airport issue. The greatest fear is that Wilson will somehow compromise. And airport foes say that is unacceptable.

“Tom’s going to have to back up his words,” Mission Viejo Councilwoman Susan Withrow said. “Tom hasn’t been very visible on the airport issue. He has to do more than just say ‘no’ on an airport. He’s going to have to get in there and fight. That’s what the expectations from South County are.”

Wilson hasn’t even been sworn into office, but the specter of a recall has been raised if he fails to actively oppose an airport and vote down a controversial environmental impact report on the El Toro reuse plan that goes before the board Tuesday.

If Wilson doesn’t follow through on his promise, “there is no question an effort to remove him from office would be initiated at the earliest possible moment,” said Bill Kogerman, co-chairman of Taxpayers for Responsible Planning, a group leading the fight against an El Toro airport.

Wilson’s critics cite the following reasons for their anxiety. They say he didn’t state his anti-airport stance in his recent campaign literature, he has spoken recently with prominent airport backers and some accuse him of betraying Bates by vying for the 5th District seat even as he endorsed Bates, a longtime friend.

“It certainly caught me by surprise,” Bates said Wednesday. “He indicated to me he wasn’t doing so. Let’s say it made things very tense.”

Laguna Niguel Councilman Eddie Rose, a Bates supporter, predicted Wilson will eventually soften his anti-airport views.

“Tom Wilson will betray the interests of Laguna Niguel,” Rose said. “It’s a very sad day.”

Wilson, who has been aware of these and other comments, declined to answer many questions Wednesday or directly address the concerns during a brief news conference.

But his supporters say Wilson is unfairly being badgered by mean-spirited rumors circulated by those jealous of Wilson’s rise.

“It’s all nonsense,” said Laguna Hills Councilwoman Melody Carruth, who was also hoping for the 5th District appointment. “We’ve got a South County official from a city opposed to an airport who has demonstrated his opposition to that airport. I’m very happy with the governor’s choice.”

Airport foes say the controversy must be put behind them as they focus on the future--and Tuesday’s pivotal vote. All eyes will be on Wilson as he votes on the environmental impact report and a base reuse plan.

“I can’t believe a representative with the 5th District would be anything except opposed to an airport at El Toro and opposed to the environmental impact report,” said former Irvine Mayor Larry Agran, head of Project ‘99, a group leading the fight against an El Toro airport.

“Anything less would be unacceptable.”