Rough Landings Over El Toro, Measure F

* Now that South County feels they have mortally wounded the possibility of a commercial airport at El Toro, they seek to seal the coffin by offering to join forces with the pro-airport people in resisting any attempt to expand John Wayne Airport, with the stipulation in fine print that El Toro be taken off the table.

I do not question their sincerity--for the moment. They are perfectly satisfied to allow John Wayne Airport to continue to meet their needs--so long as it meets their needs.

However, when (not if) John Wayne can no longer meet the ever-increasing demand for air transportation of this area, when it becomes a two- or three-hour drive to reach an overcrowded Los Angeles International or Ontario airport, with ensuing delays, I predict that South County will be first in line to demand an expansion of John Wayne.

South County, thanks, but no thanks.

LEONARD HALL

Newport Beach

* I believe many of us wish only to ensure that flight activity at John Wayne Airport is never increased and that ideally it is reduced or eliminated.

I think many of us have no interest in having the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station developed as a commercial airport other than protecting people in the John Wayne Airport flight corridors from further aircraft intrusion.

We want the same deal that the South County people are trying to ensure for themselves with Measure F.

One obvious problem is that the South County people prefer the status quo and don’t want to share the annoyance of aircraft traffic, which people who live in the John Wayne Airport corridors are now forced to put up with. That viewpoint is understandable.

It is unreasonable to ask people affected by John Wayne, particularly in the Newport Beach takeoff corridor, to continue to bear this burden alone.

It is not unfair to say that the John Wayne alternate expansion plans border on the insane. This situation ensures the intercommunity strife will continue until there is some equitable resolution.

Is there a requirement that the Orange County supervisors provide a means for any and all people who wish to fly into or out of Orange County be able to do so?

Some neighbors I talked to believed that a “yes” vote on Measure F was a vote against the present rate of development, although neither side appears to have this in mind. The only thing that everyone seems to agree on is that even if Measure F is overturned, the conflict will just go on.

ROBERT F. AMLIE

Tustin

* As a longtime resident of Irvine, I am in total support of the need for an international airport at El Toro.

The availability of the vacated airport property provides a unique and outstanding opportunity for all Irvine residents to enjoy. We can have it all: parks, recreation, study centers, golf and an international airport.

BRIAN BROWNING

Irvine

* Supervisors Charles V. Smith, Cynthia Coad and Jim Silva should think long and hard before they attempt to undermine or overturn Measure F.

It’s time for them to understand that the people of South County are united, very well organized, very well educated on the airport issue and ready to continue the fight against it for as long as it takes.

The determination is strong to see this thing through to the very end. The supervisors should not underestimate our grass-roots strength and the depth of our passion.

Today they are preparing their lawsuits. They ought to be ashamed of their arrogance, to think that they can ignore such a resounding message from the people.

We don’t want another airport. How much more taxpayer money will be wasted before they get that message? They are at a crossroads today.

If they want to remain in office and dig their way out of this mess, they need to show the people of Orange County that they can be true representatives of the people and not dictators.

I urge them to end this war now and admit they got it wrong. Listen to the people and make the right decision.

KARIN SOMOGYI

Laguna Niguel