El Toro Watcher Has Georges on His Mind

This is a tale of two powerful Georges and how they might combine forces to scare South County half to death.

Or not.

For easy reference, let’s call them George W. and George A.

The former is a month away from becoming president of the United States.

The latter is an Orange County businessman, wealthy Republican Party donor and fund-raiser, major benefactor at Chapman University and--oh, yes--the leading supporter of the proposed international airport at the former El Toro Marine base.

George W. Bush and George Argyros. Just a couple of former major league baseball owners who happen to share Republican Party philosophy.

How could they possibly upset South Countians?

Like this:

Along about Feb. 1 of next year (he doesn’t want to rush him), George A. goes to see George W.:

George A: Hey, Dub, got a minute? How’s your father? He still getting a kick out of that Global Citizen Medal we gave him at Chapman last year? Our first ever, you know. I enjoyed co-chairing the thing, and we all appreciated that he spoke for free out of his friendship for me.

George W: It was a great night for him. I can’t believe he waived his fee.

George A: He probably feels he still owes me for co-chairing his ’88 campaign in Orange County, contributing $100,000 to the national party that year and another $50,000 the year he became president.

George W: I know he appreciated it. Wish I could repay your loyalty.

George A: Nah, happy to do it. By the way, I also enjoyed raising all that money for you and the party this year in California.

George W: Yeah, you gave it a heckuva shot. I haven’t really thanked you properly.

It’s Just a Phone Call

George A: Aw, don’t worry about it. I pretty much have everything I need . . . Wait, there is one thing . . . Any chance you could make a phone call over to your new Defense secretary and get our Orange County airport moving a little faster? I’d really appreciate it. Might as well call the FAA while you’re at it.

Let’s leave it a dangling conversation.

“I watch ‘West Wing,’ ” anti-airport Web site operator Leonard Kranser says after I offer my scenario. “I imagine the White House could bring pressure to bear on the Department of Defense and the Navy to accelerate the transfer [of the land at El Toro].”

Kranser notes, however, that Argyros and the pro-airport majority on the Board of Supervisors also have been trying to expedite matters with the Clinton administration.

True, but Argyros never raised money for Clinton.

Irvine Councilman Mike Ward, also anti-airport, says he’s not overly concerned about Bush granting Argyros’ wish.

“George may have a lot of money to contribute to the campaign, but he’s only one vote,” Ward says. “He [Bush] would be alienating 190,000 people who signed petitions to put [anti-airport] Measure F on the ballot [earlier this year].”

That would outweigh granting Argyros a favor? “I would hope so,” Ward says. “If he’s got that big a political favor coming, does he want an airport that much? I don’t know. I think George [Argyros] wants an airport because he honestly thinks it will be good for the economy of Orange County. But is it worth that big a political favor?”

Ward thinks not, especially from the new president’s standpoint. “I think George W. would like to have something his father never had, which is a second term. All those 190,000 people do contribute to campaigns also, and they do vote.”

That’s also the hope of Allan Songstad, the vice chairman of the anti-airport El Toro Reuse Planning Authority. “My hope, belief, whatever, is that the Bush administration will recognize that George Argyros does not speak for all Republicans in Orange County, and that there are strong supporters for him [Bush] among those who have great concerns about the airport.”

Songstad recites a few political factors that he hopes, at minimum, will keep the new Bush administration open-minded about El Toro.

“I hope the new administration will take a fair and impartial look at this issue, to the extent it wants to get involved at all,” Songstad says. “It’s an awfully messy issue.”

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Dana Parsons’ column appears Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Readers may reach Parsons by calling (714) 966-7821 or by writing to him at the Times Orange County Edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, or by e-mail to dana.parsons@latimes.com.