LETTER TO THE EDITOR -- Gary Simon

In response to recent articles and letters suggesting that the county

of Orange is using tax dollars to fund public relations efforts for the

county’s proposed reuse plan for El Toro, we wanted to set the record

straight.

The El Toro Local Redevelopment Authority has approved $8 million for

a public information program to facilitate the outreach effort portion of

the draft environmental-impact report process. These funds are generated

from parking and concession revenues at John Wayne Airport, not taxpayer

money. John Wayne Airport and El Toro airport are a two-airport system

allowing the county to use revenue generated from John Wayne to support

planning and implementation of the reuse plan for El Toro.

It is important to note that a majority of money, approximately $40

million spent by the county to date, has been toward required studies to

measure the project’s effect on the environment and develop the county’s

proposed master plan and other alternatives. This level of study and

planning is an important part of any significant development project both

in the public and private sector.

These planning costs are commensurate for any complex infrastructure

project. On the other hand, those opposed to an aviation reuse at El Toro

have reportedly expended $40 million in misleading public information

paid in part with taxpayer funds generated by residents of a few Orange

County cities.

The El Toro Local Redevelopment Authority is anxious to provide

information to the county’s almost 3 million residents about El Toro

airport through its “Just the Facts” program that will commence in

August.

Regardless of your personal position on the reuse of El Toro -- it is

important to base opinion on facts. The El Toro master plan includes a

state-of-the-art airport, parks and open space, commercial and industrial

improvements, retail services, community services, recreational

facilities and educational facilities.

The county’s residents deserve to know the facts about the proposed

plan for El Toro. We look forward to sharing the information over the

coming months.

* Gary Simon is the executive director of the El Toro Local

Redevelopment Authority.