El Toro Planning Is Serious Business

Their interest being purely economic (absent any consideration for the surrounding communities, of course), would it not be imperative to see what financial benefit a non-aviation-use plan would bring to the county before any decision making?

Accepting the first offer on the table without analyzing alternatives is purely bad business. I am certain this is not how members conduct their own business interests. Perhaps the council should wait for the non-aviation-use plan to be completed in the spring, and then make a comparison. If they cannot, one would have to wonder what their agenda truly is.

RICHARD W. LUBLINE

Aliso Viejo

* As a named subject of controversy in your Nov. 30 article, I would like a chance to respond.

The single most important issue with regards to the Orange County Business Council's meeting which I "was escorted out of" is that I was invited! At the suggestion of another invited guest, I requested an invitation from the Business Council. The invitation was faxed to my home, and I responded that I would be in attendance.

The morning of the meeting, I arrived 45 minutes early in business attire. I spoke to no one unless spoken to, and remained respectful even when my invitation was rescinded on the basis of my previous lack of El Toro support.

The papers I received at that meeting provided the facts necessary to "push" this information into the open. If the "trust factor" is so highly regarded as [the council members say], then my presence should not have threatened anyone.

GAIL REAVIS

Mission Viejo

* South County anti-airport activists and airport proponents continually refute each others' claims regarding the proposed airport, which makes it difficult to ascertain the truth.

That is why I attempt to seek unbiased sources for information. I was particularly impressed with comments made by former Federal Aviation Administration Chief David Hinson at a luncheon in which he addressed airport issues. Hinson stated Orange County is getting a unique opportunity in acquiring El Toro Marine Corps Air Station for a commercial airport because it would cost $10 billion to acquire the same amount of prime land, already equipped with exceptional runways and easily accessible from major freeways close by. He agreed with the Board of Supervisors that John Wayne Airport alone won't meet the county's future air travel needs. Hinson emphasized that airports are an essential ingredient for the economic welfare of a community and that a commercial airport at El Toro would be a positive financial benefit for our county.

He made it clear the base meets all FAA safety requirements. These statements have particular credibility coming from a man who recently held the FAA's top post.

KEVIN O'NEIL

Santa Ana