Rebuttal -- Paul Salata

I was very disappointed in the Daily Pilot’s editorial of Sept. 20

(“Skip the deception in upcoming election”) contending that the

Greenlight Implementation Committee is an attempt to deceive the public.

Many people who have agreed to let us use their names in support of a

“yes” on Measure G voted for the Greenlight Initiative. It was their

desire to send a message to City Hall that a more reasonable approach was

needed for future development and not stop all development in the city as

some of the opponents of Measure G have contended.

Once the Greenlight Initiative became the law in Newport Beach, we

felt it was perfectly reasonable to form an organization to ensure that

the initiative was implemented in the spirit that it was passed and not

be used as a no-growth, anti-business platform. That is why after we

reviewed the proposed project and saw that it was by the airport, miles

from coastal residential areas, and guaranteed the city more than $3

million for traffic congestion, we felt Measure G was worthy of our

support.

The Greenlight Implementation Committee believes this project is good

for the residents of Newport Beach based on the facts and is not intended

to deceive anyone. Being a graduate and lifelong supporter of USC, I did

at first take offense to portraying our organization as a political

“Trojan horse.” But then I realized that Trojans were victorious in

history, and Trojans are successful today in part because of their

commitment to improving their community. That is why I signed the ballot

argument and urge everyone to vote “yes” on Measure G.

* PAUL SALATA is a Newport Beach resident, a former USC and

NFLfootball player and is founder of Mr. Irrelevant Week.