Is an Airport at El Toro the Ticket for O.C.?

* How can people in south Orange County have the boldness to fight establishing El Toro, knowing it is our county’s only chance for an adequate airport?

I suppose it is a result of a self-centered society only concerned with its own interests and unwilling to look at the bigger picture.

They need to be reminded they live in an urban area that has many benefits but requires sacrifices too. If it is complete quiet they seek, busy Orange County is not where they should live.

J.M. RILEY

Santa Ana

* Orange County voters are sending a message loud and clear. We don’t want an airport at El Toro.

The three pro-airport supervisors had better pay attention to what their constituents are saying with this March 7 ballot measure: no jails, no landfills, no airports.

Orange County has better economic uses for that land.

JODY CLARK

Laguna Niguel

* The recent EgyptAir disaster caused me to once again consider that John Wayne Airport is listed as one of the more dangerous airports in America.

Its unusually short runway explains much of why it is on a blacklist. Anyone who has been on a commercial flight out of John Wayne knows that planes are required to execute a steep ascent because of the airport’s proximity to residences and schools.

That extra stress on the jet’s engine and body is a worry.

I am anxious for the new El Toro airport to be built and plan to use it exclusively. Its long runways and large buffer zone allow planes a much safer and more comfortable takeoff. It is much safer than John Wayne.

E. FINE

Newport Beach

* I am opposed to an El Toro airport. I think it is a very bad idea.

I am a native Californian and see no need for more noise and crowding. Developing the land into a park would be a better idea and ultimately necessary as a relief to the already too big population here.

JUDY STEINEGEWEG

Aliso Viejo

* I agree with your Oct. 31 editorial “A Stack of Initiatives,” which stated you have reservations about the airport initiatives planned for the March ballot.

We have already voted twice regarding the airport issue, and recent polls indicate people have not changed their minds.

It is time for all county residents to support the planning of El Toro airport. Those who have been opposed should stop fighting the process and instead provide input that would enable it to be more compatible with their lives.

JEANNE GODDIN

Huntington Beach

* If having an airport in one’s backyard doesn’t destroy one’s quality of life, why are all the aggressive proponents of building a commercial airport at El Toro based around John Wayne Airport?

Obviously, John Wayne negatively impacts their quality of life. The old saying “Misery loves company” applies to these people.

They should stop telling us how wonderful a commercial airport in El Toro will be. We know better.

DEBBIE BAILEY

Mission Viejo

* A basic business principle that guides many professionals is to create a win-win situation, in which each party benefits while achieving the desired outcome. There is not a winner and a loser.

The El Toro debate has digressed to an emotional battle that will result in a winner and a loser. Just as South County does not want El Toro developed as an airport, the residents around John Wayne do not want the airport expanded or flight restrictions removed.

We are each seeking the same goal: not in my backyard. The arguments posed against the development of El Toro bear a remarkable similarity to those against John Wayne’s expansion. People do not want their property values and lifestyles diminished.

Rather than fighting each other, we should strive to create a win-win situation and look for ways to work together and support our mutual goals.

The leaders of the cities adversely impacted by John Wayne expansion and the cities impacted by El Toro development should negotiate an agreement to mutually support no airport development at El Toro and no expansion at John Wayne.

An agreement would get us past the “not in my backyard” arguments to face the real enemy: the interests that seek economic gain from increased airport capacity, regardless of the impact on the quality of life of those impacted, north or south.

ALEX YOSMAN

Laguna Niguel