LAFCO’s lopsided membership is cause for scrutiny

The Daily Pilot article “AWG may sue to stop annexation,” is a

pertinent issue for both Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. Our two cities

are the victims of an enlarging John Wayne Airport and its

increasing noise and pollution.

The Local Agency Formation Commission made a planned, political

decision about Irvine’s development proposal for the former Marine

Corps Air Station at El Toro. They had been urged by a full house of

mostly opponents of Irvine’s annexation, to delay approval of

Irvine’s plan until the lawsuit regarding the environmental report

for the property was settled. The commission board ignored these

requests and voted for immediate approval.

What is not immediately apparent is the composition of the

commission. Five out of seven members of the board are from South

County -- the collective opponent of the El Toro airport. The two

members of the board are from north county cities, which represent

70% of Orange County cities. This lopsided board is a distortion of

democratic principles.

This board is largely an appointed one with no direct

accountability to the public. Their decision on the Irvine annexation

is a political one. It should be overturned by the courts.

SHIRLEY A. CONGER

Corona del Mar