Measure F Backers Flush for Campaign

Supporters of a March ballot initiative to stop plans for a commercial airport at the closed El Toro Marine base are sitting on four times the amount of money raised by foes of the measure, according to financial reports filed with the Orange County registrar of voters.

Citizens for Safe and Healthy Communities--Yes on Measure F raised $667,894 from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, and $171,294 more from Jan. 1 through Jan. 22. After expenses, the group had $512,747 left.

A second anti-airport group, Taxpayers for Responsible Planning, raised $56,040, including a $50,000 loan.

Opponents of the measure, who want a commercial airport built at the closed Marine base, reported raising $172,380 since Jan. 1, the bulk of it from a $172,100 loan from the county’s key airport supporter, businessman George Argyros. The money was reported by No on F--Citizens for Jobs and the Economy.

Bruce Nestande, spokesman for Citizens for Jobs and the Economy, said Argyros is committed to doing whatever is necessary to ensure that airport planning continues. If passed on the March 7 ballot, Measure F would require a two-thirds countywide vote before planning could proceed for airport projects, hazardous-waste landfills, and large jails that would be within a half-mile of homes.

“The added incentive to [work against the initiative] is the disastrous effect Measure F would have on public safety, as witnessed by law-enforcement opposition to the measure,” Nestande said, referring to the Assn. of Deputy Sheriffs.

Argyros so far has spent about $2 million promoting the airport, which first was approved through a countywide vote in 1994. He reported a remaining debt of $780,350--in loans to himself--from the 1994 committee.

The next spending reports are due Feb. 24. Residents must be registered by Monday to vote in the March 7 election. The bulk of campaigning for and against Measure F is expected to take place in the closing weeks before the election.