Boundary change may affect city

Paul Clinton

NEWPORT-MESA -- Assemblyman John Campbell (R-Irvine) has begun writing

his farewell speech to Costa Mesa.

Under the latest proposal to redraw district boundaries across the

state in both the Assembly and Senate, Campbell would lose the city. It

would be replaced by Lake Forest.

The proposal, announced Wednesday, isn’t final. But those involved in

the process said only minor adjustments to the map are expected before

the Legislature considers it. The new map must be finalized by Sept. 14.

Instead of Campbell, Costa Mesa would be represented by Assemblyman

Ken Maddox (R-Garden Grove). The change would sadden city officials who

lauded Campbell for his accessibility and responsiveness.

“In general, I would say that Assemblyman Campbell has been very good

to work with,” Costa Mesa Mayor Libby Cowan said. “I would be very

disappointed [for Costa Mesa] to be moved out of his district but would

certainly build relationships where we need to.”

In addition to Costa Mesa, Maddox would also receive 10.42% of Newport

Beach, an area that would include Hoag Hospital.

The move was made largely because of population growth in South County

that required the shrinking of Campbell’s district.

Campbell also represents Irvine, Aliso Viejo, Tustin and Laguna Beach.

Campbell’s district would take on a decidedly more South County slant

with the addition of Lake Forest. However, Campbell said his airport

views would not change.

“Whether I represent Lake Forest and Irvine or Costa Mesa and Newport

Beach, my position on El Toro remains unchanged,” Campbell said.

The assemblyman has said the county doesn’t need a second airport at

the closed El Toro Marine Corps Air Station or any other location.

While the airport issue has become somewhat of a litmus test in any

political contest in Orange County, state legislators will ultimately

have little to say about how the closed base is used.

“In an Assembly race, the [candidate’s] position on the airport is

irrelevant,” Newport Beach Councilman Gary Proctor said. “The Assembly

has nothing to do with the issue.”

If the change is made, Maddox -- who would lose Buena Park and other

North County areas -- would find it less difficult to get reelected.

The assemblyman, a former Tustin police officer, has had to win

election in a “target district,” where Democratic candidates have mounted

legitimate threats to his seat.

“Losing my areas and picking up some Republican areas is going to make

my life a lot easier,” Maddox said.

Maddox, a former Garden Grove City Councilman who lives in Garden

Grove, was first elected in November of 1998. He was reelected last year.

* Paul Clinton covers the environment and John Wayne Airport. He may

be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail ato7

[email protected] .