‘Initiative Foes Fire an Opening Volley’

I think your article “Slow-Growth Initiative Foes Fire an Opening Volley” (May 3) has finally exposed the real players behind the slow-growth fight.

As we all know, the war is being waged against developers who have every right to defend themselves. But what this article clarifies for us is that leaders of the slow-growth movement are not all they appear to be. While they continue to harp on the traffic congestion that development causes, they don’t want a 10-lane highway that could actually relieve the congestion because the route goes right by their homes!

Instead, they want “a smaller, ‘scenic’ corridor.” Now that will really relieve a lot of congestion, won’t it! Obviously, these slow-growth leaders are all for solving traffic congestion as long as it doesn’t come too close to home.

The arguments for and against the slow-growth initiative use opinion, emotion and statistics. The real outcome of such an initiative, if it passes, would most likely be somewhere in between. But I have no doubt that housing and rental costs would increase from their already high levels--another perfect example of supply and demand.

The slow-growth initiative has sent a strong message to developers and the county, who have responded positively. The major highways and streets that will be constructed over the next four years are evidence that developers are accepting the responsibility for ensuring that our streets and highways are able to handle the additional traffic their developments will produce.

I think it’s time slow-growth supporters stop trying to keep Orange County all for themselves. Just because they are here is no reason to close the door behind them and prevent others from enjoying the life style the county has to offer.

MIMI MANDELL

Irvine