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