Fullerton Opts Not to Join Group Boosting Airport

Fullerton will not join other North County cities in their support of an international airport at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, which is set to close next year.

City Council members this week decided against taking a stand for or against the airport plan. Instead, they voted 3 to 2 not to become members of the Orange County Regional Airport Authority, for now, so they can find out more about the airport plan and alternative plans for El Toro.

“This is kind of a political war in Orange County,” Councilman Chris Norby said. “Most people in Fullerton really do not care about the airport one way or the other.”

Mayor Don Bankhead, who had proposed joining the authority, disagreed. “The voters have spoken twice in favor of the airport,” he said.

Bankhead and Councilwoman Julie Sa said they were ready to join the pro-airport authority. Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Newport Beach, Buena Park, Cypress and Stanton have joined the group.

Several South County residents urged the council not to join, while North County residents who spoke were split on the issue.

Said Councilwoman Jan M. Flory: “This is, without question, a highly politically charged issue. . . . We’re far from making a well-counseled decision. I think we should move cautiously.”