Supervisor Clarifies Role in El Toro Process

* Re “El Toro Process Overhaul Is Key,” June 9 editorial:

As the supervisor for the 5th District, I want to be very clear in stating that the recent unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors to change the leadership of the Local Redevelopment Authority is more than the Band-Aid you make it out to be.

At this time, as indicated by the recent El Toro study sessions, the anti-airport movement has the opportunity to move forward and present to the public a non-aviation alternative for the property at El Toro.

Let me further clarify the role that Supervisor Charles V. Smith and I will play as the two subcommittee members appointed to assist in this effort.

Simply put, our assignment is to cooperatively create specific criteria, which includes specific job responsibility and desired skills, as well as the salary range for the new director.

Once Supervisor Smith and I agree on these specific criteria, we will present the package to our colleagues in an open meeting. During that meeting our colleagues will have the option to modify the criteria we present. Once complete, the board will take a vote. Assuming it passes, we will then conduct an executive search to find candidates who meet our criteria. It’s that simple!

As one of the two very important elected voices for south Orange County, I would also like to thank the editorial staff for recognizing that integrity in this process will be an essential ingredient. Without this integrity, we will be no better off than we were before we started.

I have stressed process at every turn. Every vote and every situation involves separate circumstances surrounding the process and must be evaluated with those considerations in mind.

I am confident that both Supervisor Smith and myself will develop criteria that will attract an individual who will commit to hosting an open planning process that supports both aviation and non-aviation planning elements.

If this is to really work, it is essential that this person hold credibility throughout the entire planning process. Until staff can find such a person, no one will receive my vote of confidence.

THOMAS W. WILSON

Supervisor, 5th District