Coad Petty, Misinformed on El Toro Facilities Use

Re “Survey: S. County Primary User of El Toro Facilities,” June 6:

Inspired by Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Cynthia P. Coad’s survey of the people using the facilities at the former Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro, I decided to conduct my own survey. Among the findings:

* The primary users of Orange County schools are children, not the people who paid for them, some of whom don’t even have kids.

* County vehicles are driven only by county employees, some of whom don’t even live in Orange County.

* County jails are used primarily by prisoners, including some who aren’t even citizens of this country, much less Orange County.

Of course the facilities at El Toro are used mainly by local residents! Residents of other parts of the county have similar facilities in their own areas. South County residents don’t.

Judging by the thorough drubbing that her friend, Scott Steiner, just took in the Orange City Council election, I suggest that [Coad] stop playing her petty little games with the El Toro property, or else the taxpayers might start asking why they’re paying for a supervisor who isn’t representing them.

Brad McCown

Mission Viejo

There are about 1,000 motor homes, trailers and fifth-wheels now being stored at El Toro on what was vacant land supporting nothing but weeds.

By painting some lines on the blacktop, we now have an operation that generates revenue. Where does Cynthia Coad get the idea that this is a “hobby” or “recreation”? Does she think we are camping out there? With nearly 1,000 vehicles paying between $50 and $70 per month (plus a $25 key deposit for the dump station), it would seem to me that her claim of “subsidy” is indicative of some ignorance of the facts.

For her information, horseback riding and golf are hobbies and/or recreation; storage (at a very high price) is not.

Don Borthwick

Joan Borthwick

San Clemente