Airport Questions Still Unanswered

* I attended Supervisor Jim Silva’s town hall meeting in Costa Mesa on June 4 and walked away absolutely appalled. Contrary to an earlier announcement which called only for the county planners to present the aviation alternatives under consideration, the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority was allowed to present the Millennium Plan.

However, Silva did not allow any discussion of either plan! Questions were only permitted in written form. Of course, some of the questions were screened out or altered.

Not permitting a discussion was an incredible decision imposed by Silva. Discussions were wide open in a town hall meeting arranged by Supervisor Todd Spitzer on the same topic in Yorba Linda a few weeks ago. That’s how it is supposed to be.

I work in research and development for a pharmaceutical company and attend scientific conferences on a regular basis to present our research. It is an integral part of every scientific presentation to allow a competent audience to ask questions and discuss the work presented. This process brings out weaknesses in the research work and forces the presenter to do the very best job in the first place.

Not to permit a discussion is absolutely, undeniably unimaginable. In the political arena, not permitting a discussion at a town hall meeting is undemocratic.

What did Silva want to hide? Most likely weaknesses in the county planning process. I hope the voters will remember this in November, when he is up for a runoff election with Dave Sullivan.

ACHIM KRAUSS

Foothill Ranch

* I was in the main terminal at John Wayne Airport with my daughter’s first-grade class on a field trip and was just amazed to find how empty the entire terminal was!

This facility could increase its passenger capacity by another 40% and not add one single flight per day. Does Supervisor Jim Silva know just if or when this current airport will be paid for before we build another one?

JILL BOYLE

Irvine

* Re “O.C.’s Air Traffic Future Intertwined With Region’s,” May 29: There is probably good reason why Long Beach airport is not a candidate for expansion, but it should have been mentioned.

ROBERT MILTON

Corona del Mar