Yesterday (4-28-03) I had the distinct dis-pleasure to attend a public meeting held in Irvine California to explain the turn-over of the El Toro Marine airbase to 4 multi-national companies (or as they called it an internet auction).
As a resident of Irvine I have been watching the political turmoil over the last 5 years on how to they were going to dispose of the military base that was to be shutdown. After surviving the “Airport Plan” our city council pushed for the “Great Park” plan and had it approved by the voters last year.
U. S. Congressman Christopher Cox was for years Pro-Airport and Anti-Park but “Teflon Cox” has now decided to take credit for it all and to celebrate his flip-flop they had this big “Dog and Pony” show with senior representatives from the navy and GSA (general services agency). It is worth noting that the Irvine city mayor, Larry Agran and the city council (who fought for the park) were not invited to the table and never mentioned by name. This was Cox’s show!
The highlight of the event was the speech by GSA Regional Administrator, Peter Stamison. He started out letting everyone know that he was appointed by ex-governor Pete Wilson and had turned down an appointment by the Bush administration to move to Washington (for some unknown reason) to stay with the GSA. He then proceeded to shamelessly praise Cox’s leadership in fighting to reduce taxes. What does that have to do with a base turnover? Calling him the “top republican from California” he then heaped praise on him for getting an “A” rating from the most conservative anti-tax PAC in the country. Then he asked the audience to stand and applaud this “stellar republican figure” while shaking his hand. This was really a “Cox for President” rally under the guise of a base turnover.
Oh, My, God! Teflon Cox did it again!