No Wonder Officials at Odds

* I read with interest the March 11 article about the draft report by the Southern California Assn. of Governments and the reaction to it by the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

The report is excluding many key Orange County transportation projects from its plan. Alarmed county officials are demanding these projects be incorporated into the plan.

The relationship between Orange County supervisors and SCAG has been rather poor. The Board of Supervisors is bothered by the power the agency has over their priorities. They feel that SCAG favors Los Angeles County over their neighbors to the south. Orange County supervisors at one time voted to withhold dues from, and even attempted to secede from the agency, the reason being SCAG had too much power over their interests.

Supervisor Charles V. Smith is up in arms. Supervisor Jim Silva expressed concerns about an association of officials from six counties making decisions about Orange County projects.

Being in opposition to the conversion of Marine Corps Air Station El Toro to a commercial airport, I see a clear parallel between our relationship with the Orange County supervisors and their relationship with SCAG. We also feel under-represented, and that our priorities are being ignored. An issue that will impact us terribly is being forced on us by those in power, with little regard for those most affected.

R.W. LUBLINE

Aliso Viejo

* In regard to the Cajalco Corridor, there will definitely be a need for another freeway out of Orange County. What I suggest is a freeway tie-in with the 241 at the dangerous Ortega Highway, running a new freeway into Riverside County and eventually further east to the Palm Springs area.

Not only would this help relieve the Riverside Freeway, it also would provide another way out of the coastal areas in the event of a major earthquake.

DAVID SEMRAU

Mission Viejo