Editor:
The ghosts of growth control past, present and future are going to harass the three Pitkin County commissioners over their vote last week to include a flawed fleet mix and growth forecast into the local airport’s layout plan.
The county and its paid consultants failed to listen to many people with alternate opinions about airport redevelopment during the “lack of vision” process a few years ago, which caused many volunteer committee members to stop participating. And yet the county continues to contend that the process was a “community consensus” with “common ground” goals. In truth, the goals were produced by a small group of people all working at the behest of the county and corporate/business interests.
The commissioners could stop the madness and make clear and logical decisions regarding airport redevelopment. Yet, they make fear-based decisions that move the ball forward, based on poor advice from their advisory board and unsubstantiated threats that the feds will withhold airport funding or airlines will pull out of the market unless the runway is widened and the taxiway is moved farther away from the runway to accommodate larger planes.
Why can’t the county admit that the “lack of vision” process was flawed? Why won’t commissioners put ASE redevelopment, or fixed-base operator (FBO) management, to a public vote?
The issue isn’t really so much about larger planes or federal funding or a better terminal building or jet pollution and noise as it is about letting the voters have their say. The last time I checked, this was still a democracy, and should our leaders mess up, we the people get a chance to remedy the situation.
To Patti, Francie and Steve: The ghosts are coming to haunt you. They will probably give Greg a pass, and they will leave Kelly alone. Booooooo!
Lucas Cargill
Old Snowmass