MAILBAG:

Over the past year it always seemed the Daily Pilot’s sympathies leaned toward building on the property adjacent to the library. Why else would the newspaper not have called for an environmental impact report or fostered public debate on how the city will find a replacement for the already committed open space that would be lost?

We finally learned where the paper stands (“City hall, park can coexist; vote wisely,” Jan. 13).

During the upcoming election we will learn how the people of Newport Beach stand regarding the future of our city. Is it important for Newport to be known for its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, similar to places like Monterey or Laguna to the south? Or, is it our vision to turn Newport Beach into a place where we destroyed every vestige of our natural beauty and replaced it with asphalt, concrete and gridlock?

One Measure B supporter noted in a letter to the Pilot that putting city hall on this property is “the chance of a lifetime.” I agree. If this measure is passed, the people of Newport will “have the chance” to prove we are selfish and shortsighted by making city hall a symbol of how we catered to short-term needs by pandering to special interests looking for economic gains.

On the other hand, Measure B offers an even greater opportunity than “a chance of a lifetime.” By voting no, we have a chance to prove to future generations that we want to protect the natural beauty of Newport and that we want to foster the preservation of its natural wildlife. If we are really fortunate, by rejecting Measure B we can start a trend of responsible development that takes into account future generations by keeping Newport Beach “the envy of the county, maybe the state or the nation.”

THE BASTIEN FAMILY

Sanitation District’s fee hike hurts aging folks

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a letter that was sent to the Orange County Sanitation District.

Regarding your “notice” to increase collection fees. I wish to make my objection to this increase very plain.

The reason I am objecting to this increase is simple.

As my wife and I have recently joined the ranks of the “fixed” income group, it is abundantly clear that cost of living increases in our income plans seldom maintain pace with these kinds of “annual” increases.

Yes, we realize this increase is only $22.40 per year over the next five years.

However, like several of our close neighbors, in the same group, we will experience the same fate.

A little here and a little there, and before you know it, there is nothing left to buy the necessities of living, such as food, medication and transportation.

We urge you to reconsider this rate increase as it impacts the aging community in Costa Mesa and the rest of your service area.

Thank you for your kind attention to this important matter.

Costa Mesa

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Mail to the Daily Pilot, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Send a fax to (714) 966-4667 or e-mail us at dailypilot@latimes.com. All correspondence must include full name, hometown and phone number (for verification purposes). The Pilot reserves the right to edit all submissions for clarity and length.