The Airport Debate

Columnist denies facts surrounding John Wayne

In Steve Smith’s column of Oct. 21, he repeats the same litany of

half-truths about John Wayne Airport.

It would seem he wishes to not have El Toro airport built and cares

not for those people in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa who live near John

Wayne Airport.

Newport Beach can try to put a cap on flights at John Wayne, but there

can be no resistance to the demand for additional air passenger traffic.

Any cap would be overruled because it would be interfering with

interstate commerce. In fact, South County spokesmen are already

demanding that air traffic at John Wayne be doubled at once.

My real question is, why does Smith continue to deny these facts?

SHIRLEY CONGER

Newport Beach

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Smith’s views are harmful to Newport Beach

Steve Smith obviously doesn’t understand the airport situation at all.

His remarks are very distasteful to residents of Newport Beach. He

doesn’t seem to realize if we don’t get El Toro -- and the tremendous

need that we have for El Toro -- John Wayne will expand, and we will be

in bad shape here in Newport Beach with the increased air traffic.

It’s a shame that the Daily Pilot will allow someone like that to

represent a Newport Beach newspaper which is supposed to be on our side

and not be on the South County’s side.

VIRGIL GALEY

Newport Beach

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* EDITOR’S NOTE: The Airport Debate, featuring letters and commentary

regarding John Wayne Airport and the proposed airport at El Toro will be

a ongoing feature on our Community Forum page. We welcome your input.