"Irvine, Calif., Lawyer Sues City, Orange County over Airport Debate"

May 22, 2001

Irvine, Calif., Lawyer Sues City, Orange County over Airport Debate
The Orange County Register, Santa Ana, CA


It isn't often the two camps in the bitter fight over how to develop the
former El Toro Marine base find themselves on the same side.

But now an Irvine lawyer is suing both the pro- and anti-airport forces for
millions of dollars of spending he says is a waste.

Orange County has approved $43 million in spending for the airport, and
Irvine has spent $16.4 million opposing it and developing a plan for a park
at the base.

"That's a total waste of taxpayer's money," said Bart Garry, 33, who ran
unsuccessfully for Assembly in 1996.

Garry sued on Friday in superior court to force Irvine and the county to
stop using public money that he says should be spent on education and public
safety.

His lawsuit says public money is being wasted because the two sides
neutralize each other.

Garry said he has no position himself on El Toro -- he just thinks the
infighting is a disservice to taxpayers.

County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Cynthia Coad said county funding
comes from John Wayne Airport revenue, not taxpayers.

Coad said the county's recently approved promotional pitch for an airport is
"strictly factual," while Irvine has been using public money to advocate
political positions.

Irvine Mayor Larry Agran shot down charges that the city has spent money to
influence voters on an initiative proposed for the March 2002 election to
zone El Toro as a central park.

"That would be improper," Agran said. "We have engaged in the kind of
process that permits maximum citizen participation in deciding the future of
El Toro. The Great Park plan has emerged in the process."

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