Mailbag: Dana Rohrabacher has returned federal funds to our district

Re. “Baugh will only run if Rohrabacher steps Aside,” Barbara Venezia column, Feb. 18: I call Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) my friend, and you should too. Rohrabacher has been very effective in helping to bring tax dollars back to the 48th Congressional District to support public infrastructure projects like the world famous Ground Water Replenishment System, built and operated by the Orange County Water District, where I serve as director for Division 7. Without his advocacy it is doubtful the project would ever have been built.

The congressman is the 24th most-senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives and serves as the ranking member of Foreign Affairs and Appropriations committees. Seniority doesn’t come for free; you pay with time in the seat. As chairman of the Europe, Eurasia and Emerging Threats Subcommittee, he carries the voice of the American people to parts of the world most Americans have never heard of and couldn’t find on a map, often at great personal risk to himself. He willingly takes the initiative to step in where others fear to tread.

After these trips are complete, and the diplomacy is over, friends from far away places visit the 48th Congressional District to see the marvels of science, space and technology that exist right here in Orange County. Together, Rohrabacher and I have personally hosted no less than a dozen delegations, dignitaries and ambassadors from countries around the world, including China, Japan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan, to name just a few.

I am certain these people leave here with a sense of goodwill toward America, and tell and retell their own stories about their visit with their friend Rohrabacher.

Former Orange County Republican Party chairman Scott Baugh may be up to the task of running for Congress, but I am certain he knows he has some very big shoes to fill when he gets there.

The next time you see Rohrabacher around town, introduce yourself and thank him for his service. I am sure you’ll find a friend in him too.

Shawn Dewane

Board president, Mesa Water District

Costa Mesa

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Development a drain on resources

A new, 26-story condo tower is proposed in Newport Center. A reasonable question might be asked if the water to be used for this development is exactly the same water that Newport residents have been working so hard to save. That thought certainly makes me want to flush twice.

Susan Skinner

Newport Beach