EDITORIAL

For the past 10 weeks, the Daily Pilot gave our readers a glance back at

the last 100 years. It was an interesting lesson as to where we came

from.

What we learned is remarkable.

Our Newport-Mesa forefathers were pioneers and trendsetters who foresaw

the creation of the largest pleasure harbor in the nation and the

preservation of one of the state’s largest nature reserves.

They were able to envision beautiful communities with some of the best

parks, beaches, schools, glimmering shopping malls, libraries and

performing arts centers in the state and nation.

Now, as the new century has begun, perhaps it’s time to quit reflecting

on the past and look toward the future.

We see that future filled with many challenges and many pitfalls, but

also with plenty to look forward to.

And the overwhelming theme we hear from our readers is this: We must

preserve our quality of life.

As we see it, that worthy goal has several facets.

Ensuring that John Wayne Airport does not expand and other alternatives

for air transportation are found would be our first concern.

Finding no solution to either of those dilemmas would be a dreadful blow

to both Newport Beach’s and Costa Mesa’s quality of life. We hope a

resolution can be found to that in the coming year.

Repairing the sagging school infrastructure would also be high on our

list.

Voters here will most likely get a chance to weigh in on that debate as

Newport-Mesa school officials take their bond request to the ballot box

in the coming year.

Next on our list would be how to strike the appropriate balance between

economic growth and the desire for citizens to live in peace and harmony.

There is a way to do it; we just need the leadership at the local level

to get us there.

Speaking of that, leadership would be our next priority.

Newport-Mesa residents will get the chance this November to make

important decisions as to who their political leadership will be as the

races for city councils, school board, state Assembly and Senate and the

U.S. House of Representatives shape up.

It is our hope that Newport-Mesa will be blessed with leaders who embody

the same pioneering spirit that our forefathers had.

That would make a nice start to the 21st century.