Airport Debate

Making El Toro an airport a quick fix

I am a resident of Newport Beach. This morning on National Public

Radio, I happened to hear an interview with Norman Mineta, Secretary of

the U.S. Department of Transportation, discussing airline congestion and

flight delays. Mineta indicated that the major problem was “concrete,”

i.e., not enough airports and runways.

He went on to say that airport construction was a 20-year project and

runways a 10-year project -- both long-term solutions. In that regard, we

have a perfect opportunity to turn an otherwise long-term solution into a

very short-term solution for Orange County by converting El Toro to a

commercial airport.

LINDA DALTON

Costa Mesa

New president just may thwart South County

South County objection and ensuing legal challenge to pro-airport

fliers is just another futile tactic in their efforts to thwart and

restrict the development of Orange County as well as the economic

development, not to mention the needs of the population. Although no one

wants an airport anywhere near them, everyone wants the convenience of

being able to get a flight to their destination departing close by. With

the new Bush administration making new airports a priority for the

benefit of business and the general traveling public, the efforts of

South County opposition is doomed.

PAUL JAMES BALDWIN

Newport Beach