* WAR ON TERRORISM: Cox says...

* WAR ON TERRORISM:

Cox says that the United States is running out of time when it

comes to dealing with Iraq’s Saddam Hussein. If action isn’t taken,

Hussein will end up with nuclear weapon technology. And, he adds,

that will allow the network of terrorists that includes Al Qaeda to

become more of a threat. What is needed is a U.N. resolution with

credible backing.

“What you don’t want is Saddam Hussein taking his support for Al

Qaeda to the next step.”

On North Korea, which recently announced it has nuclear weapon

technology, Cox said the United States needs to maintain its presence

on the country’s border with South Korea.

“I cannot think of a superior option.”

* ORANGE COUNTY AIR TRANSPORTATION NEEDS:

The county’s demand for an airport is a long-term need, Cox says.

It therefore demands a long-term solution, one that looks 20 to 30

years into the future.

“We know we will need major new capacity,” he said.

Both March and George Air Force bases are possibilities. In

theory, he added, Camp Pendleton is a better option than El Toro

because there is more open space, but there is no prospect of the

military giving part of the Marine base up. Still, he said, given the

long time period, a surprise is possible.

* WATER QUALITY:

“There is no substitute for consumer education,” Cox said.

With strict new rules in place, the federal government needs to

help pay for education and other efforts to meet the requirements. It

must also find money to pay for treatment facilities.

* HIS FUTURE:

Cox, who has at times been mentioned as a vice presidential and

judicial choice, said he figures he has more than enough time for two

or three more careers. But for now he enjoys being the House,

especially while there is a Republican president, and running for

reelection every two years.