THOMAS C. EDWARDS -- REBUTTAL

Upon reading the rebuttal of Councilwoman Heather Somers to my

proposal to extend the John Wayne Settlement Agreement, and thereby

ensure the quality of life in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, I am struck

by an amazing amount of misinformation (“Olive branch at what cost?”

April 8). Principal of which is an effort to continue to fight for a

position that was overwhelmingly rejected by voters.

Since 1987, I have been involved in the El Toro conversion. Moreover,

I was involved, as were many others in drafting Measure A, which

initially established the El Toro planning process. The idea of an

airport at El Toro is a terrific idea. However, the city that has been

principally involved in the fight has been the city of Newport Beach and

frankly the brave efforts of one individual, George Argyros.

I, too, have promoted the idea for an El Toro airport for the last 13

years. I’ve raised money for the idea, I have spent long hours arguing

for its enactment; however, the people of Orange County have spoken.

My proposal addresses the political realities that exist in the

county. The El Toro Reuse Planning Authority cities are well organized,

and well funded. When broken down to its bare minimum, the South County

cities and Newport Beach have much in common regarding their concerns

about airports. And while I believe that Measure F will eventually be

declared unconstitutional, I believe that now is the time to sit down and

discuss our common interests about airports.

Your rebuttal doesn’t address the proposal to extend the John Wayne

Airport settlement agreement. Rather, you argue for an El Toro airport

that I have argued for, for the last 13 years. Unfortunately, on March 7,

the people spoke. Therefore, we must refocus our efforts to protect

Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.

By the way, your proposal of revenue sharing for El Toro is an

interesting one. However, you should have known that such a provision

already exists in Measure A, passed in the county in 1994. This does not

seem too compelling in light of the March 7 election on Measure F.

My proposal is a basis for discussion. It is in my opinion in the best

interest of the city of Newport Beach, where I live, and the city I love.

I also believe that it is much more realistic, given the current

political realities.

Unfortunately, you and others are arguing for El Toro, belatedly, I

might add, at the expense of the city of Newport Beach, and the potential

expansion of John Wayne.

* TOM EDWARDS is a Newport Beach resident, longtime airport activist

and former mayor.