Mailbag - April 8, 2000
As a nation we seem consumed with the idea that it is desirable for a
large percentage of citizens to vote. We make it easier and easier for
that to happen: registration at many public places, cities encouraging
residents to do so, lax voter rules, absentee ballots, etc. I disagree
with that popular idea, and instead maintain if an individual isn’t
interested enough in politics to put a reasonable time or effort into the
process of educating himself about the people and issues, how valuable is
his vote?
An example can be seen in the Pilot’s “Street Talk” (April 1). Asked,
“Would Chris Cox be a Good Running Mate for Bush?”, one woman stated, “I
don’t even know who he is and I’m a Republican. I’m not going to vote for
Bush. I wanted McCain to win.”
This woman lives in Irvine, Christopher Cox (R-Newport Beach) is her
federal representative, and she doesn’t even recognize his name. She
won’t vote for Bush? Does she think the very liberal Al Gore is closer to
conservative McCain’s ideology than his fellow Republican candidate,
George W. Bush? Stop and think about it. How involved in the political
process can this woman be? Her vote cancels out another person’s vote who
seriously studies political issues.
ERICA MILLER
Newport Beach
El Toro will mean lower ticket fares
I invite the community to join with my friend, Newport Beach resident
Henry “Hank” Weber in promoting the benefits of an airport at El Toro. In
spite of the passage of Measure F we believe there will be an
international airport at El Toro.
Either the courts or the voters at the November election will confirm
the planning process. In any case, we -- you and I -- need to promote the
benefits of an airport at the closed Marine base. The benefits are simply
more destinations available and lower fares.
In January, I needed to fly to Minneapolis on a couple of day notice.
The airfare from John Wayne was $1,780, while the airfare from LAX was
$389. Why? More airlines to choose from.
While I live a couple of miles from John Wayne, I chose to drive to
LAX to save the money. This month, my wife Barbara needs to fly to
Sacramento for a one-day business trip. The cost from John Wayne was over
$450 while it’s less than $200 from LAX. Why? More airlines to choose
from.
John Wayne Airport is convenient and our family uses it for as many
flights as we can. A second airport in Orange County would provide the
advantage of an LAX without the added travel time, freeway congestion and
pollution. The public needs to be reminded why we need an airport at El
Toro -- more destinations available and lower fares.
All of the objections raised by those in South County can be
mitigated. The objections are not a problem except in the rabid,
fanatical anti-airport opponent who will not accept an airport for any
reason at any time. Hank Weber and I have printed up at our expense 2,000
three-color bumper stickers that say “El Toro Airport -- More Destination
Lower Fares.”
They are easy to remove from a bumper. They are available free of
charge at the Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, Terry’s Union 76
Station at 17th Street and Tustin, and the Orange Chamber of Commerce. Or
call my office at (949) 660-8665 and I will mail one to you.
One friend recently said he wouldn’t put one on his bumper because he
didn’t want to ruin his car’s bumper. The more I thought about his
comments, I thought that a 25% loss in the value of his home if John
Wayne Airport is expanded to handle our airport traffic need may be more
expensive than taking off the bumper sticker.
Residents countywide need to be reminded of the benefits of an
international airport at El Toro. I challenge you to help promote the
benefits -- more destinations and lower fares.
JIM DE BOOM
Newport Beach
County should get out of taxi business
With regard to the taxicab dispute at John Wayne airport, I am
surprised that no one has asked the obvious question, “Why is the county
regulating the taxicabs and limiting airport access to one company?”
It would appear that, as usual, the marketplace could and would do a
much better job with the county’s responsibility to make sure drivers and
vehicles are properly licensed, something the O.C. Sheriff’s deputies
could do on a spot basis.
There is no reason why any traveler should have to wait for a cab, and
no reason whatsoever that the county should decide it is smarter and more
efficient than the marketplace in controlling taxicab airport access.
PETER J. OETH
CORONA DEL MAR
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