They're like the energizer bunny...

[Jay Honeck]

Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.

After all the meetings attended, and all the editorials rebutted, and all
the interviews granted, and all the letters written -- our City Council
called a sudden, surprise joint meeting with our Airport Commission tonight,
and announced their intention of putting the dissolution of our independent
Airport Commission to a voter's referendum on the November ballot.

This signals the end of our airport, plain and simple. The independent
airport commission was set up after World War II SPECIFICALLY to protect the
airport from the political whims and vagaries of subsequent city
governments, and now the council has indicated that they intend to dissolve
the only body that protects our airport from the land developers and noise
nazis.

I knew when I found the meeting agenda on the city website this afternoon
(posted just hours before the meeting) -- and it listed NO topic for
discussion -- that we were in deep ****. Boy, were we ever.

Upon hearing about this (almost by accident, from a connection deep within
the bureaucracy) I immediately sent a bulletin email out to the "Friends of
Iowa City Airport" mailing list -- but it was too late. We only managed to
get about ten members to attend, and there was no opportunity for public
comment. We just had to sit there and take it, while they spewed their
political lies and slanted bull crap about how this change would "help the
airport in the long run"...

I'm tired, man. We fight, and fight, and fight, and we defeat them at every
logical level, both publicly and privately -- and then they pull together a
sneak attack like this. Hell, even the airport manager -- a city
employee! -- didn't know about this meeting until last Friday, and he didn't
know what it was going to be about until he walked in the door and was
broadsided.

I know what you'll say: Call AOPA. Hell, they're no help -- our local
"representative" is a commercial pilot -- who, in 7 years, I've never even
MET -- who only wants that title on his resume. I'm at the airport every
god danged day of my life, and I couldn't pick this guy out of a line-up...
Helluva job he's doing.

We are soooo screwed.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[HECTOP]

You know what happened to the Energizer Bunny when they put his batteries in
backwards?


Instead of going, going and going...

it kept












coming coming and coming!




HECTOP
PP-ASEL-IA
http://www.maxho.com
maxho_at_maxho.com

[Michael 182]

Jay,

This will probably be a drop in the bucket, but I'll write to your city
council and point out that the only reason I have ever visited Iowa City was
to land at the airport. I spent money at your Inn, a local restaurant, on
fuel at the airport, and visited a few shops around town. Maybe if you were
armed with a hundred letters like this from this newsgroup and others,
perhaps (I know, it's a long shot) some council members might be swayed?

Sorry for the bad news. Anyway we can help, I'll bet the regulars here will
jump in...

Michael





"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:Pmuzc.55284$Sw.10947@attbi_s51...
> Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
>
> After all the meetings attended, and all the editorials rebutted, and all
> the interviews granted, and all the letters written -- our City Council
> called a sudden, surprise joint meeting with our Airport Commission
tonight,
> and announced their intention of putting the dissolution of our
independent
> Airport Commission to a voter's referendum on the November ballot.
>
> This signals the end of our airport, plain and simple. The independent
> airport commission was set up after World War II SPECIFICALLY to protect
the
> airport from the political whims and vagaries of subsequent city
> governments, and now the council has indicated that they intend to
dissolve
> the only body that protects our airport from the land developers and noise
> nazis.
>
> I knew when I found the meeting agenda on the city website this afternoon
> (posted just hours before the meeting) -- and it listed NO topic for
> discussion -- that we were in deep ****. Boy, were we ever.
>
> Upon hearing about this (almost by accident, from a connection deep within
> the bureaucracy) I immediately sent a bulletin email out to the "Friends
of
> Iowa City Airport" mailing list -- but it was too late. We only managed
to
> get about ten members to attend, and there was no opportunity for public
> comment. We just had to sit there and take it, while they spewed their
> political lies and slanted bull crap about how this change would "help the
> airport in the long run"...
>
> I'm tired, man. We fight, and fight, and fight, and we defeat them at
every
> logical level, both publicly and privately -- and then they pull together
a
> sneak attack like this. Hell, even the airport manager -- a city
> employee! -- didn't know about this meeting until last Friday, and he
didn't
> know what it was going to be about until he walked in the door and was
> broadsided.
>
> I know what you'll say: Call AOPA. Hell, they're no help -- our local
> "representative" is a commercial pilot -- who, in 7 years, I've never even
> MET -- who only wants that title on his resume. I'm at the airport every
> god danged day of my life, and I couldn't pick this guy out of a
line-up...
> Helluva job he's doing.
>
> We are soooo screwed.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>

[Michael 182]

Jay,

This will probably be a drop in the bucket, but I'll write to your city
council and point out that the only reason I have ever visited Iowa City was
to land at the airport. I spent money at your Inn, a local restaurant, on
fuel at the airport, and visited a few shops around town. Maybe if you were
armed with a hundred letters like this from this newsgroup and others,
perhaps (I know, it's a long shot) some council members might be swayed?

Sorry for the bad news. Anyway we can help, I'll bet the regulars here will
jump in...

Michael





"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:Pmuzc.55284$Sw.10947@attbi_s51...
> Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
>
> After all the meetings attended, and all the editorials rebutted, and all
> the interviews granted, and all the letters written -- our City Council
> called a sudden, surprise joint meeting with our Airport Commission
tonight,
> and announced their intention of putting the dissolution of our
independent
> Airport Commission to a voter's referendum on the November ballot.
>
> This signals the end of our airport, plain and simple. The independent
> airport commission was set up after World War II SPECIFICALLY to protect
the
> airport from the political whims and vagaries of subsequent city
> governments, and now the council has indicated that they intend to
dissolve
> the only body that protects our airport from the land developers and noise
> nazis.
>
> I knew when I found the meeting agenda on the city website this afternoon
> (posted just hours before the meeting) -- and it listed NO topic for
> discussion -- that we were in deep ****. Boy, were we ever.
>
> Upon hearing about this (almost by accident, from a connection deep within
> the bureaucracy) I immediately sent a bulletin email out to the "Friends
of
> Iowa City Airport" mailing list -- but it was too late. We only managed
to
> get about ten members to attend, and there was no opportunity for public
> comment. We just had to sit there and take it, while they spewed their
> political lies and slanted bull crap about how this change would "help the
> airport in the long run"...
>
> I'm tired, man. We fight, and fight, and fight, and we defeat them at
every
> logical level, both publicly and privately -- and then they pull together
a
> sneak attack like this. Hell, even the airport manager -- a city
> employee! -- didn't know about this meeting until last Friday, and he
didn't
> know what it was going to be about until he walked in the door and was
> broadsided.
>
> I know what you'll say: Call AOPA. Hell, they're no help -- our local
> "representative" is a commercial pilot -- who, in 7 years, I've never even
> MET -- who only wants that title on his resume. I'm at the airport every
> god danged day of my life, and I couldn't pick this guy out of a
line-up...
> Helluva job he's doing.
>
> We are soooo screwed.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>


"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:Pmuzc.55284$Sw.10947@attbi_s51...
> Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
>
> After all the meetings attended, and all the editorials rebutted, and all
> the interviews granted, and all the letters written -- our City Council
> called a sudden, surprise joint meeting with our Airport Commission
tonight,
> and announced their intention of putting the dissolution of our
independent
> Airport Commission to a voter's referendum on the November ballot.
>
> This signals the end of our airport, plain and simple. The independent
> airport commission was set up after World War II SPECIFICALLY to protect
the
> airport from the political whims and vagaries of subsequent city
> governments, and now the council has indicated that they intend to
dissolve
> the only body that protects our airport from the land developers and noise
> nazis.
>
> I knew when I found the meeting agenda on the city website this afternoon
> (posted just hours before the meeting) -- and it listed NO topic for
> discussion -- that we were in deep ****. Boy, were we ever.
>
> Upon hearing about this (almost by accident, from a connection deep within
> the bureaucracy) I immediately sent a bulletin email out to the "Friends
of
> Iowa City Airport" mailing list -- but it was too late. We only managed
to
> get about ten members to attend, and there was no opportunity for public
> comment. We just had to sit there and take it, while they spewed their
> political lies and slanted bull crap about how this change would "help the
> airport in the long run"...
>
> I'm tired, man. We fight, and fight, and fight, and we defeat them at
every
> logical level, both publicly and privately -- and then they pull together
a
> sneak attack like this. Hell, even the airport manager -- a city
> employee! -- didn't know about this meeting until last Friday, and he
didn't
> know what it was going to be about until he walked in the door and was
> broadsided.
>
> I know what you'll say: Call AOPA. Hell, they're no help -- our local
> "representative" is a commercial pilot -- who, in 7 years, I've never even
> MET -- who only wants that title on his resume. I'm at the airport every
> god danged day of my life, and I couldn't pick this guy out of a
line-up...
> Helluva job he's doing.
>
> We are soooo screwed.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>

[John Gaquin]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message news:Pmuzc.55284

> Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
>
> After all the meetings attended,

It may sound simplistic, but does your group have an attorney?

[Shiver Me Timbers]

Find out how many people directly work at that airport.

Add in their spouse and children.

Figure out how many off airport people make their living or a
substantial portion of their living as a result of that airport.

Add in their spouse and children.

Figure our the wages of the airport employees.

Figure out the revenues of related buisiness and the wages.

Collect some bucks from everyone.

Take out a center spread of your local paper.

Put in a large banner headline to the mayor and council of your city.

State the economic impact the closure would bring and the unemployment.

Then using eight columns across per page - sixteen columns total,
print the names of everyone directly and indirectly affected, what
their jobs are, and if your gutsy..... their salaries ( why not ).

Or for direct and indirect businesses ( LIKE YOURS ) what the potential
lost revenues might be and how many employess might have to be let go.

At the bottom of the page print in a bold reverse explain the fact that
every name listed above is a taxpayer, and a registered voter, and that
unemployed people don't pay taxes, and they don't vote for politcians
who are responsible for taking their jobs away.

Bill Jacobs - Pilot - $32,000 per year - Single - no kids
Cathy Labert - Waitress - $6.50 per hour - Married - 3 kids
Ken Davies - Fueler - $12.50 per hour - Single parent - 2 kids
Dave Lacomb - mechanic - $46,000 per year - married - no kids
Linda White - food wholesaler $138,000 lost revenue - married - 3 kids

Something like that..... 6 point type - 16 columns across.

Cram if chock full of names and stats and I can practically guarantee
you that your policticians won't like it.

Tell them in clear English that everyone on the list will volunteer
time, effort, and money during the next election to make sure that none
of the current policticians will be re-elected.

You get the idea.

Don't be mansy pansy.

[zatatime]

On Tue, 15 Jun 2004 03:51:11 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
> wrote:

>Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
>
>After all the meetings attended, and all the editorials rebutted, and all
>the interviews granted, and all the letters written -- our City Council
>called a sudden, surprise joint meeting with our Airport Commission tonight,
>and announced their intention of putting the dissolution of our independent
>Airport Commission to a voter's referendum on the November ballot.
>
>This signals the end of our airport, plain and simple. The independent
>airport commission was set up after World War II SPECIFICALLY to protect the
>airport from the political whims and vagaries of subsequent city
>governments, and now the council has indicated that they intend to dissolve
>the only body that protects our airport from the land developers and noise
>nazis.
>
>I knew when I found the meeting agenda on the city website this afternoon
>(posted just hours before the meeting) -- and it listed NO topic for
>discussion -- that we were in deep ****.

I believe this is illegal. There are rules for notice of public
meetings. My town has a 7 day notice I believe. You should find out
what it is, and if they violated it persue negating any and all
progress stemming from that meeting. You may need to do this in
court, but it seems well worth it.

Boy, were we ever.
>
>Upon hearing about this (almost by accident, from a connection deep within
>the bureaucracy) I immediately sent a bulletin email out to the "Friends of
>Iowa City Airport" mailing list -- but it was too late.

We only managed to
>get about ten members to attend, and there was no opportunity for public
>comment.
This is completely illegal. If it is a public meeting, the public
needs a forum to speak. This can be strictly controlled, and
unrealistic time limits can be set, but they have to allow you to
speak! If you don't have a lawyer in the group you may want to
consult one. He can help try to put an end to this type of activity.


We just had to sit there and take it, while they spewed their
>political lies and slanted bull crap about how this change would "help the
>airport in the long run"...
>
>I'm tired, man. We fight, and fight, and fight, and we defeat them at every
>logical level, both publicly and privately -- and then they pull together a
>sneak attack like this. Hell, even the airport manager -- a city
>employee! -- didn't know about this meeting until last Friday, and he didn't
>know what it was going to be about until he walked in the door and was
>broadsided.
>
>I know what you'll say: Call AOPA. Hell, they're no help -- our local
>"representative" is a commercial pilot -- who, in 7 years, I've never even
>MET -- who only wants that title on his resume. I'm at the airport every
>god danged day of my life, and I couldn't pick this guy out of a line-up...
>Helluva job he's doing.
>
>We are soooo screwed.


I'm sorry for these events. You do have recourse. It may be a little
costly, but I believe it is worth it. Legislators should not be
allowed to bend the rules to suit their own desires. There is a
political process for a reason. If you can defeat them within that
process, they should listen and adhere to what the public needs. Good
luck. I hope you wake up with new fight and can start pushing back on
what seems to be a railroad job.

z

[Jim Herring]

Jay,

Follow the money. Someone is going to make a lot of money from the sale of the
airport and some people on the city council (not the city) are going to profit
from it.

When Austin was looking for a new airport location the mayor was telling his
buds where to buy land. When the city announced where they were going to build
the new airport (the area is what we call black clay, not a good place for an
airport) a lot of businesses and land owners got screwed as no one would do new
business with them or buy their land. Guess what? Half way through this mess the
USAF decided to close Bergstrom AFB. The city turned it into the new airport
(BTW without approval of the voters). The people who were screwed before are
still trying to recover. At least the mayor's buds got screwed.


--
Jim

carry on




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[Jay Beckman]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:Pmuzc.55284$Sw.10947@attbi_s51...
> Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
>

<Snip Unfortunate Information>

>
> We are soooo screwed.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>

Damn Jay,

That truly sux...

IMHO, I believe Shiver Me Timbers' post offers your best course of action.
Put things in black and white / dollars and cents and put names / faces to
it too.

A wise person once said "Don't Agonize...ORGANIZE!"

Best of luck,

Jay Beckman
Student Pilot - KCHD
24.9 Hrs ... Nowhere to go but up!

[Dave S]

I would research the open meetings act posting requirements with regards
to this meeting.

I also question that there was no opportunity for public comment.

As others have said.. follow the money. Someone has to benefit from
this. Its just a matter of finding out who.

Dave

Jay Honeck wrote:
> Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
>
> After all the meetings attended, and all the editorials rebutted, and all
> the interviews granted, and all the letters written -- our City Council
> called a sudden, surprise joint meeting with our Airport Commission tonight,
> and announced their intention of putting the dissolution of our independent
> Airport Commission to a voter's referendum on the November ballot.
>
> This signals the end of our airport, plain and simple. The independent
> airport commission was set up after World War II SPECIFICALLY to protect the
> airport from the political whims and vagaries of subsequent city
> governments, and now the council has indicated that they intend to dissolve
> the only body that protects our airport from the land developers and noise
> nazis.
>
> I knew when I found the meeting agenda on the city website this afternoon
> (posted just hours before the meeting) -- and it listed NO topic for
> discussion -- that we were in deep ****. Boy, were we ever.
>
> Upon hearing about this (almost by accident, from a connection deep within
> the bureaucracy) I immediately sent a bulletin email out to the "Friends of
> Iowa City Airport" mailing list -- but it was too late. We only managed to
> get about ten members to attend, and there was no opportunity for public
> comment. We just had to sit there and take it, while they spewed their
> political lies and slanted bull crap about how this change would "help the
> airport in the long run"...
>
> I'm tired, man. We fight, and fight, and fight, and we defeat them at every
> logical level, both publicly and privately -- and then they pull together a
> sneak attack like this. Hell, even the airport manager -- a city
> employee! -- didn't know about this meeting until last Friday, and he didn't
> know what it was going to be about until he walked in the door and was
> broadsided.
>
> I know what you'll say: Call AOPA. Hell, they're no help -- our local
> "representative" is a commercial pilot -- who, in 7 years, I've never even
> MET -- who only wants that title on his resume. I'm at the airport every
> god danged day of my life, and I couldn't pick this guy out of a line-up...
> Helluva job he's doing.
>
> We are soooo screwed.

[Paul Sengupta]

"Michael 182" > wrote in message
news:CMuzc.43181$0y.20397@attbi_s03...
> Jay,
>
> This will probably be a drop in the bucket, but I'll write to your city
> council and point out that the only reason I have ever visited Iowa City
was
> to land at the airport. I spent money at your Inn, a local restaurant, on
> fuel at the airport, and visited a few shops around town. Maybe if you
were
> armed with a hundred letters like this from this newsgroup and others,
> perhaps (I know, it's a long shot) some council members might be swayed?

Mmm. Even visitors from overseas...

Paul

[Norfolk and Chance]

Jay,

Post the name and address of the council representatives that are dealing
with this and I'm sure that many of us will take ten minutes of our time to
post a letter to them explaining just how our only reaon for visiting was to
visit the inn. Hell, I've not been there - YET - but it's certainly on my
list of places to see when I qualify and come over to the states do do my
hour building.

Good Luck

Andy (Leeds, England)

[TaxSrv]

"Jay Honeck" wrote:
> Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
>
> After all the meetings attended, and all the editorials rebutted,
and all
> the interviews granted, and all the letters written -- our City
Council
> called a sudden, surprise joint meeting with our Airport Commission
tonight,
> and announced their intention of putting the dissolution of our
independent
> Airport Commission to a voter's referendum on the November ballot.
> ....

Just form an airport association by incorporating a nonprofit org and
seek IRS exemption as a probable 501(c)(4) if the annual gross
receipts - dues and contributions - are more than $5,000. If they can
dissolve the "commission," it wasn't independent.

If you involve AOPA in the event the ball starts rolling for closure,
AOPA will tell you they really want to deal with a legally constituted
org rather than an ad hoc collection of whoever. Better to do that
now, rather than in the rush of events following the first adverse
vote re closure by City Council. Where a formal org exists,
businesses are more prone to make contributions, and it sends a
message now that opposition to closure will be well organized rather
than just a few whining citizens.

Fred F.

[Richard Russell]

On Tue, 15 Jun 2004 03:51:11 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
> wrote:

>Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
>
>After all the meetings attended, and all the editorials rebutted, and all
>the interviews granted, and all the letters written -- our City Council
>called a sudden, surprise joint meeting with our Airport Commission tonight,
>and announced their intention of putting the dissolution of our independent
>Airport Commission to a voter's referendum on the November ballot.
>
snipped....

I've read a number of good suggestions and don't have any new ones of
my own, just a comment. Your fight is going to be a difficult one
because their is going to be a serious discrepancy between the
perception of what you are fighting and the reality that "you" know
you are fighting. What I mean by that is that you know that you are
fighting for the life of the airport. It's going to be hard to make
that a direct battle because they claim that this move will be good
for the airport, even though you know otherwise. As rediculous as
this sounds on the surface, you might fare better in the fight if they
were actually proposing to close the airport instead of simply
dissolving the commission. Your arguments against the commission
closing will have to be based on assumptions of how things will
transpire and that is much easier to rebut than if you were arguing
against "facts" that were clear to everyone. Good luck in the fight.
Rich Russell

[OtisWinslow]

Doesn't the University use that airport? Have you talked to them?



"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:Pmuzc.55284$Sw.10947@attbi_s51...
> Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
>
> After all the meetings attended, and all the editorials rebutted, and all
> the interviews granted, and all the letters written -- our City Council
> called a sudden, surprise joint meeting with our Airport Commission
tonight,
> and announced their intention of putting the dissolution of our
independent
> Airport Commission to a voter's referendum on the November ballot.
>
> This signals the end of our airport, plain and simple. The independent
> airport commission was set up after World War II SPECIFICALLY to protect
the
> airport from the political whims and vagaries of subsequent city
> governments, and now the council has indicated that they intend to
dissolve
> the only body that protects our airport from the land developers and noise
> nazis.
>
> I knew when I found the meeting agenda on the city website this afternoon
> (posted just hours before the meeting) -- and it listed NO topic for
> discussion -- that we were in deep ****. Boy, were we ever.
>
> Upon hearing about this (almost by accident, from a connection deep within
> the bureaucracy) I immediately sent a bulletin email out to the "Friends
of
> Iowa City Airport" mailing list -- but it was too late. We only managed
to
> get about ten members to attend, and there was no opportunity for public
> comment. We just had to sit there and take it, while they spewed their
> political lies and slanted bull crap about how this change would "help the
> airport in the long run"...
>
> I'm tired, man. We fight, and fight, and fight, and we defeat them at
every
> logical level, both publicly and privately -- and then they pull together
a
> sneak attack like this. Hell, even the airport manager -- a city
> employee! -- didn't know about this meeting until last Friday, and he
didn't
> know what it was going to be about until he walked in the door and was
> broadsided.
>
> I know what you'll say: Call AOPA. Hell, they're no help -- our local
> "representative" is a commercial pilot -- who, in 7 years, I've never even
> MET -- who only wants that title on his resume. I'm at the airport every
> god danged day of my life, and I couldn't pick this guy out of a
line-up...
> Helluva job he's doing.
>
> We are soooo screwed.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>

[Jay Honeck]

> Post the name and address of the council representatives that are dealing
> with this and I'm sure that many of us will take ten minutes of our time
to
> post a letter to them explaining just how our only reaon for visiting was
to
> visit the inn.

Thanks. Until recently, each council member had their own email address
listed. Now there is but a single address that all their email goes to.

It is

Remember, however, that the way they are selling this change is newly
creative and unique. They are now claiming to be doing this to SUPPORT the
airport -- NOT to "close it down." They are selling it as a
"stream-lining" of government that will make the airport "more accountable"
to the tax-payers.

What they fail to understand is that they are not immortal. Perhaps THIS
council supports the airport, but in ten years it may not. Without an
independent Airport Commission to look out for the well-being of the
airport, there will be NOTHING to stand in the way of the land developers
and noise nazis.

THIS is what we must somehow communicate to the council.

Any letters would be appreciated.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> Just form an airport association by incorporating a nonprofit org and
> seek IRS exemption as a probable 501(c)(4) if the annual gross
> receipts - dues and contributions - are more than $5,000. If they can
> dissolve the "commission," it wasn't independent.

It's in the works.

Trouble is, those of us supporting the airport -- and there are many of
us -- are productive, working people who don't have five hours per day to
work on this. Many (like Mary and me) own businesses, and work long hours.

Those opposed to the airport all seem to have the summer off, and thus have
endless hours to ponder their next move...

:-(
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> Doesn't the University use that airport? Have you talked to them?

One of the airport commissioners is a former CFO of the University
Hospital -- one of the major users of the airport.

That hasn't helped us much thus far.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> A wise person once said "Don't Agonize...ORGANIZE!"

Here's one newspapers coverage of the meeting:

http://www.dailyiowan.com/news/687685.html?mkey=1230111
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> That truly sux...

Here's the main local paper's coverage:

http://www.press-citizen.com/news/061504airport.htm
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Bob Fry]

Jay, ya got my sympathy. I went through one airport closure, and am
in a group that stopped a 2nd airport closure. The latter only
because of a very influential and connected pilot in our group.

Doesn't sound like you have such a person, so yeah, maybe you're
screwed. Here's some possible ideas.

I know this is your first thought, but, did the airport accept FAA
funds for improvement?

Maybe you can get the airport "moved." No kidding, in the last 10
years two airports in N. California have been moved, the longest move
being just 2 miles away. By move I mean a brand-new airport was built
with FAA money and the old one closed down.

Good luck and hang in there.

[Earl Grieda]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:lyCzc.35797$2i5.490@attbi_s52...
> > That truly sux...
>
> Here's the main local paper's coverage:
>
> http://www.press-citizen.com/news/061504airport.htm
> --

Why is the city providing any funds for the airport? That seems to be the
main reason why they want to take over the commission. Just raise the
hanger rental rates and start charging landing fees. Run the airport like a
business. Let the market decide the rates. Forget the city money. If the
airport is profitable then the city benefits. If it can't survive without
city assistance then close it. Let the market decide.

Earl G

[Bill Denton]

So, you're advocating shutting down O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) in
Chicago? Both of them receive funds from the City of Chicago.

And I doubt if you will find very many US airports that do not receive money
from one governmental unit or another.

And airport revenues cannot be measured simply in terms of fuel sales and
hangar rentals. A city that invests enough money to enable their airport to
accommodate biz jets can attract companies that their neighbors down the
road can't attract with their 2,500 foot grass runway. And it's companies
like these that bring the tax revenues and payrolls than can make the
difference between the survival and demise of a town or small city.



"Earl Grieda" > wrote in message
nk.net...
>
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> news:lyCzc.35797$2i5.490@attbi_s52...
> > > That truly sux...
> >
> > Here's the main local paper's coverage:
> >
> > http://www.press-citizen.com/news/061504airport.htm
> > --
>
> Why is the city providing any funds for the airport? That seems to be the
> main reason why they want to take over the commission. Just raise the
> hanger rental rates and start charging landing fees. Run the airport like
a
> business. Let the market decide the rates. Forget the city money. If
the
> airport is profitable then the city benefits. If it can't survive without
> city assistance then close it. Let the market decide.
>
> Earl G
>
>

[Jim Weir]

What part of "run for office" haven't you heard? NObody has the time to do it,
that's why idiots and a$$#0les rule the roost. Generally speaking, of course.

Jim


-> On Tue, 15 Jun 2004 03:51:11 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
> wrote:
->
->>Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.



Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com

[EDR]

In article >, Jim Weir
> wrote:

> What part of "run for office" haven't you heard? NObody has the time to do
> it, that's why idiots and a$$#0les rule the roost.
> Generally speaking, of course.

Pearls of wisdom, from the Master?
Just think Jay, you would own a business, run the local govenment, and
fly... just like Jim! Who knows, maybe even become governor one day!
:-))
(Those would be some scary stories around the cooler at AirVenture.)

[Jay Honeck]

> Why is the city providing any funds for the airport?

Why does government build roads? Or sidewalks? How is a runway different
from a road?

Jesus, man, what kind of a stupid question is that? Is there a city road in
any city in America that isn't built with public funds?

Is there a municipal airport in America that DOESN'T take public funds?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> I know this is your first thought, but, did the airport accept FAA
> funds for improvement?

Yes. As a result, there is no immediate danger of closing.

However, I'm not worried about tomorrow. I'm worried about 2020.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[OtisWinslow]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:MpCzc.58240$Sw.6979@attbi_s51...
>
> THIS is what we must somehow communicate to the council.
>

And communicate to the voters that elect them. You may want to try to stir
up some publicity about the airport, it's history, and what it does for the
community. And what it's loss would mean in dollars to the community.

[Rosspilot]

Jay,

It's probably little consolation, but municipal governments everywhere are
corrupt and stupid.

Like everyone else here, I feel for you . . . but tonight I have to go to my
own Town Board meeting as part of a group trying to stop the massive
down-zoning of our Town to appease greedy developers who control the
block-voting, special interest, "religious" constituency.

Also, my home County is the ONLY County in the State of New York with NO
airport. Closed in 1985, and now there is a Costco and an office park named
(get this) "Airport Executive Park". :-(

I could post for the next 2 hours . . . . but I'll spare everyone . . .



www.Rosspilot.com

[Shiver Me Timbers]

> Kathy > wrote:

> Anything that makes the airport seem like a special part
> of the community may help in the long run.
>
> Kathy


Excellent point.....

How many TV stations, newspapers, clubs & organizations do you have in
your neck of the woods.

Everything from the Rotary to the 4H I'll bet.

Find a friendly hangar and start inviting them for a friendly B-B-Q
and flight around the patch.

Get to know everyone in your local media from the owner, manager,
to the news director, and writers, on air talent.

Make sure they are all individually invited out at different times on an
on going basis for complimentary flights.

Find owners, FBO's, and pilots who will make themselves available on
short term emergency notice for when you have a local story that could
be enhanced by aerial shots.

Let the media know that people COULD be available to take them up for a
one hour local to cover some of these events.

Give, give, give..... and then give some more..... get the media on your
side and sooner or later you shal receive.

I've never met a media outlet, or media personality, or photographer,
that would turnd down a one hour local....... Have you...??????

SPEAKING OF GIVING..... Your own a hotel with a dining room don't you.

When's the next Rotary meeting.... MAKE SURE YOU HOST IT - at a price
the can't refuse. In return ask for permission to speak for a few
minutes about what the local council and mayor are trying to do.

Make sure you got lots of aviation stuffy there for them to see.

Have a couple of free draws for a YOU GUESSED IT - a one hour local
flight.

Get everybody up in the air that you can.... State and local police
chiefs, the big cheeses, head of your hospitals, invite a bunch of
local lawyers, ( I know you will have to hold your nose but do it
anyways ), your biggest local building contractors, realtors, ( show
them why the airport is a jewel and why tearing it down for short term
gain is a poor idea )........ and on and on and on.

You keep talking about all the flying that you and Mary do.

Make a commitment that from now on you will not make any local flights
where you do not have an invited guest as a passanger.

I'm sure your kids will give up their seats for the good of the cause.

Try to get the operators at the airport to make the same commitment, as
well as private pilots..... NO EMPTY SEATS.

When's your next civic election....... Who wants to run for office.

Treat them and their family to a burger and a flight.

Explain the importance of having the airport open, and let their
political ambitions take over.

Nothing like a wanabee mayoral candidate in waiting, to start attacking
the incumbent.

JAY I COULD GO AND ON ALL DAY.

Welcome to marketing 101.

[Kathy]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:sOFzc.36232$2i5.9871@attbi_s52...
> > I know this is your first thought, but, did the airport accept FAA
> > funds for improvement?
>
> Yes. As a result, there is no immediate danger of closing.
>
> However, I'm not worried about tomorrow. I'm worried about 2020.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"

How about the occasional airport event (or do you already do those)? I saw
one revitalize a small-town airport that was going downhill. They just did a
pancake breakfast, rolled out a few of the locals' planes for people to look
at, and got some nearby warbirds to come in to give rides. One of our local
airports does an open house with the pancakes, a raffle, local planes and a
static display of a few interesting planes and life flight helicopters flown
in from nearby. Local clubs come in and put up booths for this and that.
Another local airport does that plus Young Eagle flights. An acro demo is
nice, but I've seen kids stare and ooh at local planes - especially the
interesting experimentals - just doing touch and goes. A hangar dance is
always a winner, too, with or without barbecue. Anything that makes the
airport seem like a special part of the community may help in the long run.

Kathy

[Jay Honeck]

> JAY I COULD GO AND ON ALL DAY.
>
> Welcome to marketing 101.

Thanks, Shiv. Good points, all.

Sadly, while our opposition is made up of university types, all enjoying
their summers off, the rest of us have to work for a living. Since Mary and
I work from 100 to 120 hours per week between us, plus trying to spend as
much time with the kids as possible, it's safe to say that our time
allotment devoted to the schmoozing of local officials and media types is
virtually non-existent.

I need to clone myself.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Louis L. Perley III]

> I need to clone myself.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>

Funny this coming from a guy with two kids :)

I do feel for your situation. True they may view this as a "good thing", as
you said, this is only a short-term view. One of the problems I see in
politics/business/people's lives overall I'm afraid. Short-term thinking
only works when it's tied to a long-term goal. Would it be possible to work
with the city on a new organization for the long term? The city would run
things for 3 years say, with the goal of having an organization setup that
would be run by members of the city council and some outside people as well?
Ie, a leadership of 5 people, comprised of 2 city council people, 2 people
from the airport itself (FBO manager, etc.) and one floating person (Pilot
based on the field, etc.) This way there is representation from all
interested parties, with no one group in control who might have their
motivations swayed away from the best interests of the airport/community.
Just typing out loud here, this may be a completely dumb way of doing
things, but that's why I'm an engineer, not a politician/organization head.
I just think that as you say, no one has any time, and I doubt that City
Councilors have more time than anyone else, and you'll see things at the
airport atrophy over time because of this.


--
Louis L. Perley III
N46000

[Jim Weir]

You have committed the cardinal sin of building coalition, and that is by not
including all the stakeholders. Jay said that the bitch bunch was the
university folks, so they HAVE to have a seat at the table. It is probably true
that right now they feel that they have no voice on the Commission, so their
mantra is "do away with the Commission".

One city councilperson, one airport employee, one interested airport user, and
two "general public" seats.

However, as Stalin so aptly noted, "We don't care who votes. We care who
counts." The crux of the situation is defining each of the categories and
figuring out how to impartially appoint the Commission. Perhaps you might want
to divvy the two gp seats up by district, and being sure that the university has
the predominant influence in at least one of the districts. Or, you could go so
far as to replace one of the general public seats with a person appointed by the
president (chancellor, superintendent...etc.) of the university.

If ALL the stakeholders buy into the plan, it is hard for them to later say that
they didn't have their fair concerns taken into account.

Jim




->Ie, a leadership of 5 people, comprised of 2 city council people, 2 people
->from the airport itself (FBO manager, etc.) and one floating person (Pilot
->based on the field, etc.) This way there is representation from all
->interested parties, with no one group in control who might have their
->motivations swayed away from the best interests of the airport/community.


Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com

[rip]

Jay, I'm the AOPA rep for our local airport (KDXR), and frankly your
problems are nothing compared to ours. The airport commission here is
appointed by the mayor, and it's members vary with the political
leanings of whatever mayor is in office. Very few are pilots, none are
willing to over-ride the airport commissioner.
I would act on the assumption that the structure of your commission is
going to change, and make damn sure that the commission includes a heavy
representation of airport users, and folks whose livelihood depends on
the airport (local businesses, pilots, mechanics, etc).
These battles get vicious. The recommendation to publicly post the
"curriculum vita" of those positively affected by the airport is an
excellent one. Locally, our current battle is with noise-nazis, a
situation which would never have happened if the airport commission and
local politicians had been doing the job they have been elected, or
appointed, to do. I point this out to the media at every chance I get,
and sometimes I have to create the chance. The response
is...fascinating. The political cockroaches run for cover ASAP.
These battles can be a full time job, or a small amount of time
thrusting the sword at the appropriate point as needed.

Good Luck,
Rip
PS: Feel free to call me. My phone number can be found at
http://www.navioneer.org/riprelay

Jay Honeck wrote:
>>JAY I COULD GO AND ON ALL DAY.
>>
>>Welcome to marketing 101.
>
>
> Thanks, Shiv. Good points, all.
>
> Sadly, while our opposition is made up of university types, all enjoying
> their summers off, the rest of us have to work for a living. Since Mary and
> I work from 100 to 120 hours per week between us, plus trying to spend as
> much time with the kids as possible, it's safe to say that our time
> allotment devoted to the schmoozing of local officials and media types is
> virtually non-existent.
>
> I need to clone myself.

[Rosspilot]

> I'm the AOPA rep for our local airport (KDXR), and frankly your
>problems are nothing compared to ours.


Are they ever going to find another operator for that restaurant? I used to
love to fly in for dinner at the Rock'n'Roll Brew Pub . . .

www.Rosspilot.com

[Bob Fry]

"Jay Honeck" > writes:

> > I know this is your first thought, but, did the airport accept FAA
> > funds for improvement?
>
> Yes. As a result, there is no immediate danger of closing.
>
> However, I'm not worried about tomorrow. I'm worried about 2020.

Oh, well, @#$*(&(@#! Ya had me worried there, mate.

OK, you've got to derail this idea of eliminating the airport
commission, can't help much with that.

For the longer term, start reaching out to the community. Do you
(plural-your airport group) have Young Eagle days? How about an Open
House, where you show not only airplanes, but all kinds of old cars,
new experimental cars, tractors, etc. etc. With a University nearby
you have a great source of odd things to demo at the Open House.
Basically you want to generate a warm, fuzzy feeling for the airport.

You--or somebody good at it--is going to have to learn to schmooze
with the big boys. Ya gotta play the game. Most of us on this forum
don't like the game, or even realize one is being played. Too bad,
the ball's being kicked right now and if you're looking the other way
you'll get whacked in the head and not even know what hit ya. Here's
a hint--the game is not played on the Letters to the Editor page of
the local rag, nor by emails to the city council. Like others have
said, follow the money.

[Dr. Nigel Blufington]

Sounds like Mr. Daley set a nice example for airport nazis everywhere.


Jay said:
> I'm tired, man. We fight, and fight, and fight, and we defeat them at
every
> logical level, both publicly and privately -- and then they pull together
a
> sneak attack like this.

[Jay Masino]

Jay Honeck > wrote:
<snip>
> We are soooo screwed.

It seems like this is happening to airports all over the country. Very
few municipalities recognize their airports as valuable parts of the
transportation infrastructure. I fought similar fights for years at
College Park (MD) airport, then fought overdevelopment issues at Freeway
(MD) airport, and now I'm involved in the same type of attacks from the
City Council at the Ocean City (MD) airport. Write as many letters as you
can and speak at as many City Council meetings as you can.


--
__!__
Jay and Teresa Masino ___(_)___
http://www2.ari.net/jmasino ! ! !
http://www.oceancityairport.com
http://www.oc-adolfos.com

[Tom Sixkiller]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:IMFzc.36228$2i5.28452@attbi_s52...
> > Why is the city providing any funds for the airport?
>
> Why does government build roads? Or sidewalks? How is a runway
different
> from a road?
>
> Jesus, man, what kind of a stupid question is that? Is there a city road
in
> any city in America that isn't built with public funds?

Yes...in every new housing or corporate real estate development.

> Is there a municipal airport in America that DOESN'T take public funds?

Probably not.

[Capt.Doug]

>"Jim Weir" wrote in message > Jay said that the bitch bunch was the
> university folks, so they HAVE to have a seat at the table.

Governor Jim, this might be the time for your 'run for office' lecture. If
Jay were on the commission, the airport's future would be more secure.

D.

[Newps]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:IMFzc.36228$2i5.28452@attbi_s52...
> > Why is the city providing any funds for the airport?
>
> Why does government build roads? Or sidewalks? How is a runway
different
> from a road?
>
> Jesus, man, what kind of a stupid question is that? Is there a city road
in
> any city in America that isn't built with public funds?
>
> Is there a municipal airport in America that DOESN'T take public funds?

He said city, not federal dollars. Our city of about 100,000 has a self
supporting airport. Has been since the airlines started flying here. About
75 years ago.

[Judah]

If the local AOPA guy is not doing it for you, why not go over his head? I
gotta believe that SOMEONE at the AOPA would be eager to react to the
possibility of an Airport closure (even in Iowa)...

Good luck...



"Jay Honeck" > wrote in
news:Pmuzc.55284$Sw.10947@attbi_s51:
<snip>
> I know what you'll say: Call AOPA. Hell, they're no help -- our local
> "representative" is a commercial pilot -- who, in 7 years, I've never
> even MET -- who only wants that title on his resume. I'm at the
> airport every god danged day of my life, and I couldn't pick this guy
> out of a line-up... Helluva job he's doing.
>
> We are soooo screwed.

[Judah]

What would it take to make the airport designated a historic landmark?


"Jay Honeck" > wrote in
news:Pmuzc.55284$Sw.10947@attbi_s51:

> Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
>
> After all the meetings attended, and all the editorials rebutted, and
> all the interviews granted, and all the letters written -- our City
> Council called a sudden, surprise joint meeting with our Airport
> Commission tonight, and announced their intention of putting the
> dissolution of our independent Airport Commission to a voter's
> referendum on the November ballot.
>
> This signals the end of our airport, plain and simple. The independent
> airport commission was set up after World War II SPECIFICALLY to
> protect the airport from the political whims and vagaries of subsequent
> city governments, and now the council has indicated that they intend to
> dissolve the only body that protects our airport from the land
> developers and noise nazis.
>
> I knew when I found the meeting agenda on the city website this
> afternoon (posted just hours before the meeting) -- and it listed NO
> topic for discussion -- that we were in deep ****. Boy, were we ever.
>
> Upon hearing about this (almost by accident, from a connection deep
> within the bureaucracy) I immediately sent a bulletin email out to the
> "Friends of Iowa City Airport" mailing list -- but it was too late. We
> only managed to get about ten members to attend, and there was no
> opportunity for public comment. We just had to sit there and take it,
> while they spewed their political lies and slanted bull crap about how
> this change would "help the airport in the long run"...
>
> I'm tired, man. We fight, and fight, and fight, and we defeat them at
> every logical level, both publicly and privately -- and then they pull
> together a sneak attack like this. Hell, even the airport manager -- a
> city employee! -- didn't know about this meeting until last Friday, and
> he didn't know what it was going to be about until he walked in the
> door and was broadsided.
>
> I know what you'll say: Call AOPA. Hell, they're no help -- our local
> "representative" is a commercial pilot -- who, in 7 years, I've never
> even MET -- who only wants that title on his resume. I'm at the
> airport every god danged day of my life, and I couldn't pick this guy
> out of a line-up... Helluva job he's doing.
>
> We are soooo screwed.

[G.R. Patterson III]

Jim Weir wrote:
>
> What part of "run for office" haven't you heard?

Perhaps he doesn't want to pay the price you did.

George Patterson
None of us is as dumb as all of us.

[Dave S]

Jay Honeck wrote:

> Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
<snip>
> We are soooo screwed.

I just came home from listening to Phil Boyer speak at the Hobby Hilton
in Houston, TX. This was my first Pilot's Town Hall meeting with him and
it came across as a positive experience. At least now I can say I've
heard him in person and I can say that I believe there is an effective
machine within the AOPA

I cant say that I agree 100% with AOPA on all the party-line issues, but
they do a fair job of representing or advocating for GA (versus big tin)
interests and I would say that I agree with the majority of what they
advocate for, and have no problem with my membership fees supporting
their advocacy.

While a cynic could conclude the session was rightfully a "pat myself on
the back" session, Boyer gave some insight to the recent victory that
saved Albert Whitted Field in St Petersberg (TAMPA), Florida.

Boyer talked about finding the voting bloc that made the difference, and
targeting them HARD. Rather than paying for broadcast network TV ($$$),
they send direct mail, they played radio and cable commercials on the
targeted demographic (in this case, older women who liked their
waterfront free of any new condo development) and on the day of the
election there was a landslide victory in favor of the airport (65-75%
for, depending on the ballot item)

To back up what someone else said.. FORM AN INTEREST ORGANIZATION. Get
it chartered now. At Whitted, they had TWO separate interest groups in
support of the airport that AOPA was able to ally with. Play the
historical end of it.. Your airport has been there 75 years. Play the
angle that the airport commission's sole duty and goal is to protect
that history while promoting growth in their town.

And if you cant find the existing ASN guy... say so. Tell AOPA we dont
know who he is, he doesnt show up and that you have a replacement who is
willing to take a proactive stance with regards to the position.

Good Luck Jay.
Dave

[Paul Sengupta]

"Newps" > wrote in message
...
> He said city, not federal dollars. Our city of about 100,000 has a self
> supporting airport. Has been since the airlines started flying here.
About
> 75 years ago.

Our whole country has self supporting airports.

Well, "supporting" varies... :-)

And I don't necessarily think this is a good thing. Too many landing fees!

Paul (UK)

[Michael Houghton]

Howdy!

In article >,
Jay Masino > wrote:
>Jay Honeck > wrote:
><snip>
>> We are soooo screwed.
>
>It seems like this is happening to airports all over the country. Very
>few municipalities recognize their airports as valuable parts of the
>transportation infrastructure. I fought similar fights for years at
>College Park (MD) airport, then fought overdevelopment issues at Freeway
>(MD) airport, and now I'm involved in the same type of attacks from the
>City Council at the Ocean City (MD) airport. Write as many letters as you
>can and speak at as many City Council meetings as you can.

....so where do things stand with Freeway? Did the county (state?) pass that
rule about density around airports? Or is Rouse still planning to put
houses on the extended centerline across Rt 50?

yours,
Michael (under the edge of the pattern and loving it)


--
Michael and MJ Houghton | Herveus d'Ormonde and Megan O'Donnelly
| White Wolf and the Phoenix
Bowie, MD, USA | Tablet and Inkle bands, and other stuff
| http://www.radix.net/~herveus/

[Steve Robertson]

I'm not buyin' it, Jay. You spend considerable time posting, and presumably
reading, here. That time could be spent schmoozing instead. And another thing
.... If the "university types" are the main enemy, you need to befriend/involve a
few of them as well as local officials and boosters.

Best regards,

Steve Robertson
N4732J 1967 Beechcraft Musketeer A23-24

Jay Honeck wrote:

>
> Sadly, while our opposition is made up of university types, all enjoying
> their summers off, the rest of us have to work for a living. Since Mary and
> I work from 100 to 120 hours per week between us, plus trying to spend as
> much time with the kids as possible, it's safe to say that our time
> allotment devoted to the schmoozing of local officials and media types is
> virtually non-existent.
>
> I need to clone myself.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Masino]

Michael Houghton > wrote:
> ...so where do things stand with Freeway? Did the county (state?) pass that
> rule about density around airports? Or is Rouse still planning to put
> houses on the extended centerline across Rt 50?

To tell you the truth, I can't remember what Martha said in her last
e-mail message to "the group". I think they're leaving open space along
the extended centerline, but not as much as we'd like I haven't been
paying as much attention since moving my plane to Ocean City. I still
live in Bowie, though.

> Michael (under the edge of the pattern and loving it)

I guess, as long as you don't mind filing a flight plan every time you
want to scratch your butt.



--
__!__
Jay and Teresa Masino ___(_)___
http://www2.ari.net/jmasino ! ! !
http://www.oceancityairport.com
http://www.oc-adolfos.com

[Jay Honeck]

> However, as Stalin so aptly noted, "We don't care who votes. We care who
> counts." The crux of the situation is defining each of the categories and
> figuring out how to impartially appoint the Commission. Perhaps you might
want
> to divvy the two gp seats up by district, and being sure that the
university has
> the predominant influence in at least one of the districts. Or, you could
go so
> far as to replace one of the general public seats with a person appointed
by the
> president (chancellor, superintendent...etc.) of the university.

That's the funny thing -- the city council, so opposed to the airport
commission -- APPOINTS members to the commission!

They have been hand-picked by the very body that now wants to kill them.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Morgans]

"Steve Robertson" > wrote in message
...
> I'm not buyin' it, Jay. You spend considerable time posting, and
presumably
> reading, here. That time could be spent schmoozing instead. And another
thing
> ... If the "university types" are the main enemy, you need to
befriend/involve a
> few of them as well as local officials and boosters.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Steve Robertson
> N4732J 1967 Beechcraft Musketeer A23-24

Ever think that he is posting in moments while working the front desk, and
there is a slack minute? Someone has to be there.
--
Jim in NC


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
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[Tom Sixkiller]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:bGYzc.59005$HG.52466@attbi_s53...
> > However, as Stalin so aptly noted, "We don't care who votes. We care
who
> > counts."
> That's the funny thing -- the city council, so opposed to the airport
> commission -- APPOINTS members to the commission!

Hmmm...yup, sounds just like Stalin.

[Bob Noel]

In article <bGYzc.59005$HG.52466@attbi_s53>, "Jay Honeck"
> wrote:

> That's the funny thing -- the city council, so opposed to the airport
> commission -- APPOINTS members to the commission!
>
> They have been hand-picked by the very body that now wants to kill them.

If the city council picks the commission, then is it accurate to
say that the city council controls commission?

If so, then dumping the commission isn't the real problem.

What am I missing here?

--
Bob Noel

[Jay Honeck]

> Ever think that he is posting in moments while working the front desk, and
> there is a slack minute? Someone has to be there.

Thanks, Jim. I took no offense, though -- many people (including Mary) are
amazed at the volume of my posts in relation to the miniscule amount of free
time I have away from work.

It's a combination of being a fast typist, and my
"in-between-everything-else" way of multi-tasking that allows me to post
here.

These little snippets of time, stolen away in bits and pieces, would not
translate well into anything nearly as productive as politics!

:-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> What am I missing here?

You tell me and we'll both know.

The council wants more and better control over the airport finances. They
apparently can't imagine a better way to get it than to sack the commission.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> If the local AOPA guy is not doing it for you, why not go over his head? I
> gotta believe that SOMEONE at the AOPA would be eager to react to the
> possibility of an Airport closure (even in Iowa)...

The former president of our airport commission, recognizing the impotence of
our current AOPA representative, tried exactly this tactic. He called AOPA,
explained the situation, and volunteered his services.

Apparently if an AOPA rep doesn't want to resign, they can't be bumped.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Troy Towner]

All we need to do is write one letter each...


Maybe it would help!



"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:Pmuzc.55284$Sw.10947@attbi_s51...
> Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
>
> After all the meetings attended, and all the editorials rebutted, and all
> the interviews granted, and all the letters written -- our City Council
> called a sudden, surprise joint meeting with our Airport Commission
tonight,
> and announced their intention of putting the dissolution of our
independent
> Airport Commission to a voter's referendum on the November ballot.
>
> This signals the end of our airport, plain and simple. The independent
> airport commission was set up after World War II SPECIFICALLY to protect
the
> airport from the political whims and vagaries of subsequent city
> governments, and now the council has indicated that they intend to
dissolve
> the only body that protects our airport from the land developers and noise
> nazis.
>
> I knew when I found the meeting agenda on the city website this afternoon
> (posted just hours before the meeting) -- and it listed NO topic for
> discussion -- that we were in deep ****. Boy, were we ever.
>
> Upon hearing about this (almost by accident, from a connection deep within
> the bureaucracy) I immediately sent a bulletin email out to the "Friends
of
> Iowa City Airport" mailing list -- but it was too late. We only managed
to
> get about ten members to attend, and there was no opportunity for public
> comment. We just had to sit there and take it, while they spewed their
> political lies and slanted bull crap about how this change would "help the
> airport in the long run"...
>
> I'm tired, man. We fight, and fight, and fight, and we defeat them at
every
> logical level, both publicly and privately -- and then they pull together
a
> sneak attack like this. Hell, even the airport manager -- a city
> employee! -- didn't know about this meeting until last Friday, and he
didn't
> know what it was going to be about until he walked in the door and was
> broadsided.
>
> I know what you'll say: Call AOPA. Hell, they're no help -- our local
> "representative" is a commercial pilot -- who, in 7 years, I've never even
> MET -- who only wants that title on his resume. I'm at the airport every
> god danged day of my life, and I couldn't pick this guy out of a
line-up...
> Helluva job he's doing.
>
> We are soooo screwed.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>

[SKYKING195]

> "We don't care who votes. We care
>who
>> > counts."

That sounds like something the machine politicians in Chicago would say also.
When I lived there was a precinct election board where the republican member
was appointed by the machine and came from the same household as the democrat
member. (I told my wife to bury me in chicago, that way I could still vote.!)
Mitch
Luscombe 8A

[Jay Masino]

Jay Honeck > wrote:
> The council wants more and better control over the airport finances. They
> apparently can't imagine a better way to get it than to sack the commission.


You DEFINITELY don't want that. Our Ocean City Council micro-manages
every aspect of our airport. At a recent budget meeting, the Council sat
around trying to figure out how much to raise the hangar rents. There
were 3 different levels of rates, depending on how new and well equipped
the hangar was. They decided this was too difficult and have decided to
make them all the same price. As a result, my $161 hangar is going up to
$225. A 40% increase. Of course, the people who were paying $188 are
also going up to $225. A 20% increase. City Councils should not get
involved with running an airport. They're idiots.

--- Jay


--
__!__
Jay and Teresa Masino ___(_)___
http://www2.ari.net/jmasino ! ! !
http://www.oceancityairport.com
http://www.oc-adolfos.com

[Steve Robertson]

Sure I thought of that. How 'bout writing a letter or making a phone call
during that slack time instead of surfing?

Best,

Steve Robertson

Morgans wrote:

> "Steve Robertson" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I'm not buyin' it, Jay. You spend considerable time posting, and
> presumably
> > reading, here. That time could be spent schmoozing instead. And another
> thing
> > ... If the "university types" are the main enemy, you need to
> befriend/involve a
> > few of them as well as local officials and boosters.
> >
> > Best regards,
> >
> > Steve Robertson
> > N4732J 1967 Beechcraft Musketeer A23-24
>
> Ever think that he is posting in moments while working the front desk, and
> there is a slack minute? Someone has to be there.
> --
> Jim in NC
>
> ---
> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.701 / Virus Database: 458 - Release Date: 6/7/2004

[Jim Weir]

And by how many votes did you say you lost by in the last election? One of the
perogatives of running and losing is getting bitching rights for the next four
years. Otherwise, it is just whining.

Jim



(Jay Masino)
shared these priceless pearls of wisdom:

City Councils should not get
->involved with running an airport. They're idiots.
->
->--- Jay


Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com

[Jay Masino]

Jim Weir > wrote:
> And by how many votes did you say you lost by in the last election? One of the
> perogatives of running and losing is getting bitching rights for the next four
> years. Otherwise, it is just whining.

I wish I could. My condo in OC isn't my primary residence (since I only
live there 2 days a week), so I can't vote in the city elections or run
for Coucil.


--
__!__
Jay and Teresa Masino ___(_)___
http://www2.ari.net/jmasino ! ! !
http://www.oceancityairport.com
http://www.oc-adolfos.com

[Bob Noel]

In article >,
wrote:

> And by how many votes did you say you lost by in the last election? One
> of the
> perogatives of running and losing is getting bitching rights for the next
> four
> years. Otherwise, it is just whining.

feh - running or not doesn't disqualify someone complaining
about elections. Not voting could be a different issue.

look at it this way, non-natural born citizens of the US cannot
run for president. Would you disqualify them from bitching about
the presidental election?

--
Bob Noel

[Newps]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:MZ8Ac.104285$3x.86759@attbi_s54...
> > What am I missing here?
>
> You tell me and we'll both know.
>
> The council wants more and better control over the airport finances.

So why is this automatically bad? There is a small airport near here with a
local board, a board that is permanent. You have to die to be removed from
the board. They are a bunch of jackasses.

[G.R. Patterson III]

Jay Honeck wrote:
>
> Apparently if an AOPA rep doesn't want to resign, they can't be bumped.

Write Boyer personally. Show up at the next "town meeting" and bitch to him in
person. Get everyone who feels as you do to do the same.

George Patterson
None of us is as dumb as all of us.

[RT]

"Troy Towner" > wrote in message
...
> All we need to do is write one letter each...
>
>
> Maybe it would help!
>
>
>
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> news:Pmuzc.55284$Sw.10947@attbi_s51...
> > Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.

Seems like Iowa City has 62K residents - just about identical with
Rockhampton (Qld , Australia) where I am. Our local council owned airport
now can handle Boeing 747s (and sometimes does) plus military stuff (our
FA-18s, F-111s, and Singapore's F4s(?)). Maybe you can pinch some
ideas/info from our council website.......