Airport Planners Meet the People at Forum

Orange County rolled out its public relations campaign on the proposed El Toro airport at a forum Thursday night, heavily emphasizing the need for an international airport at the closed Marine base and downplaying noise, traffic and other concerns.

Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Cynthia P. Coad, an airport supporter who welcomed the more than 150 concerned residents in attendance at the Anaheim Community Center, explained that the county’s $3-million informational program was to counter the “misinformation” that residents have been bombarded with by anti-airport “zealots.”

“We feel certain that we will be able to dispel the propaganda that El Toro would be unsafe, unwanted and unneeded,” Coad said.

But despite the North County location, anti-airport people were out in force, peppering the panel of airport consultants with tough questions and their opinions.

Immediately into the question-and-answer period, an outraged Robert Mead of Mission Viejo asked Coad why the supervisors haven’t paid attention to what he called the will of the people, a majority of whom voted for an anti-airport initiative in March 2000.

When Mead was told by the moderator that his question was inappropriate and would not be answered, he persisted: “I’m a resident of this county. I won’t leave here without an answer.”

After several more attempts by Mead to have his question answered, moderator Gary Simon, executive director of the El Toro Local Redevelopment Authority, moved to another speaker.

Mead’s questions apparently violated the ground rules that Simon had laid out only moments before: that the county would not tolerate outbursts that interrupted the meeting. “You will be asked to leave. . . . We’re here to answer ordinary questions for ordinary people,” Simon said.

At one point, Simon threatened to cancel the remaining nine forums. But that only brought a round of applause.

On Sept. 4, the Board of Supervisors will begin hearing public testimony on the latest environmental impact report on the airport plan. The board will vote on the EIR on Sept. 17.

At the forum, tables had been loaded with maps, brochures and posters on the proposed airport.

The format of the forums is brief opening remarks, then a 45-minute presentation. Thursday night, airport supporter and former El Toro Marine pilot Tom Wall led the discussion.

Joan Burke, an Anaheim real estate broker, left the meeting confirmed in her belief that the county needs another airport.

“This Great Park that they want to put there, why do I need to go to Irvine for a park?” Burke said, referring to the latest attempt for an anti-airport ballot initiative that would call for an urban park at the 4,700-acre former base.

But Ron Bengochea, a lifelong Anaheim resident, said he believes an El Toro airport has a heavy cost. “It’s too much. Go put it somewhere else,” he told the forum panel, drawing a round of applause.

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For dates and times of upcoming forums, call (888) 422-6220 or log onto the Web site www.eltorofacts.com.