Supporters of the so-called Safe and Healthy Communities Act submitted more than twice the number of signatures required to put the measure on the March ballot. That would force a third public vote on the county's plans for a commercial airport at the 4,700-acre base, which closed in July. The measure's placement on the ballot is not assured, though. Both sides in the initiative fight began collecting money for their campaigns once the measure was submitted to the registrar's office in August. Laguna Hills attorney Jeffrey Metzger said it should be even easier to raise money to promote the measure now.
History favors the pro-airport forces.
Voters in 1994 designated the Marine base for an airport by a thin margin. This time, however, airport foes are more organized, have more money and carry a plan for homes, offices and a large park to offer as an alternative. North County cities generally favor a new airport because it would produce jobs and economic activity for the county, as well as provide much-needed cargo flights. El Toro foes could benefit from an electorate that remains at an impasse over plans for the new airport. Airport supporters, meanwhile, are hoping that the measure will be struck from the ballot after a Nov. 19 hearing.