The El Toro Airport Debate Takes a Diplomatic Twist

Jim Wood, the fiercely pro-airport Newport Beach Coast Magazine editor, muses in his May issue about throwing his hat in the ring for Rep. Chris Cox’s potentially vacant seat. Wood and more serious political wannabes need to recognize that the lack of a serious anti-El Toro airport bent probably disqualifies them for any political carreer in most of Orange County. Our current pro-airport supervisors are almost certain to be politically terminal, while anti-airport crusaders Tom Wilson and especially his dynamic younger colleague Todd Spitzer can anticipate rewarding careers.

In this vein, “King George” Argyros should be happy to be escaping to Spain as ambassador. He is undoubtedly well-aware of polling data showing the airport is a huge loser and that no conceivable argument can be crafted to turn that sentiment around. Without a valid and persuasive message, no amount of money can influence the outcome.

Tristan Krogius

Monarch Beach

After his ham-fisted attempts to push a mega-airport into south Orange County, I find it extremely difficult to say diplomacy and George Argyros in the same sentence. Buenas suerte, Spain.

Don Duca

Laguna Niguel

How utterly arrogant of South County, (where much of the recent growth exists), to expect John Wayne Airport, LAX and others to carry the burden of that growth. With the amount of space available at the Marine base, the impact of an airport has been grossly exaggerated and distorted. Unfortunately, many people believe lies.

There is a great difference between want and need. (I am trying to teach my 12-year-old son just that.) Sure, a huge park would be nice. But is that what the entire area needs? We are hardly lacking in things to do in this region of abundance. We’re actually pretty spoiled, if you ask me.

However, if the county infrastructure does not keep up with existing and future growth, the quality of life for everyone will be in jeopardy. What will best serve the future transportation and other needs--not wants--of all of Orange County and beyond? That should be the question.

So grow up, South County--or move to Iowa. I for one am tired of the self-centeredness.

Kathy Kehoe Bambeck

Newport Beach

How many of the 100,000 replies to the survey on the “great park” plan responded positively for the following reasons: 1) the Great “Pork,” as in great pork barrel project, is the easiest plan to defeat at the ballot box and 2) it will encourage El Toro Reuse Planning Authority, the city of Irvine and the Irvine Co. to continue spending millions of dollars on these slick brochures until they A) run out of money or B) get back to good planning because that goes a long way.

The park has merit, however. All citizens of Orange County would benefit by keeping and preserving open space for future generations to enjoy. This open space surrounds the proposed El Toro airport. No airport in the country has this exceptionally well-designed feature. By using an approach pattern over Irvine Lake and southwesterly departures over the three-mile wilderness area southwest of El Toro, not one home or school would be in the flight path. The great El Toro airport surrounded by a Great Park--now that’s a plan that fits!

Ann Watt

Santa Ana Heights

We have three knuckleheads in decision-making positions. These supervisors cannot accept the fact that their El Toro plan is unworkable. Alternate plans are politically unacceptable. Last but not least, planes departing west over Corona del Mar and Newport Beach would create a revolution all their own.

Sensible people would investigate such options as airport sites in the Inland Empire, where there are no such obstacles as wind conditions and mountainous terrain, and also mass transit to get to these airports.

We’re barely out of bankruptcy, still owing millions on John Wayne. Five million dollars is going to be spent to promote their El Toro airport. It’s obscene and it’s stupid.

Margot Roseman

Mission Viejo

The Times on May 2 had two articles that were directly opposite. They can’t both be right.

1) “Supervisors OK $3-Million Deal for El Toro Info Drive.” The vote was 3 to 2.

2) “Airport Foes File Papers for Open-Space Initiative.” The initiative was signed by five elected officials. The article says, “Public funds cannot be spent to advocate either for or against an initiative once it is submitted for circulation.”

My question: Is the supervisors’ $3-million expenditure for information on the need for an airport an illegal expenditure?

If so, Supervisors Jim Silva, Cynthia P. Coad and Chuck Smith, who are in favor of an airport and voted for the expenditure, have broken the law.

Eileen Murphy

Huntington Beach

Your April 22 edition printed a number of letters regarding the future of the El Toro airport. As usual, those who are not directly affected always have many suggestions as to what should be done.

However, the letter from a resident of Newport Beach, Joan Ramstedt-Anderson, was a refreshing change from the usual NIMBY suggestions. Joan and her husband, having suffered the problems of living near John Wayne Airport, suggested an enlarged Ontario International Airport plus building a rapid transit system to service it. What a great idea. Should this take place, then the residents of Newport would see John Wayne Airport traffic decrease and those of us living near El Toro would not have to suffer the noise and contamination of a huge international airport.

P.R. Gillis

Laguna Woods