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I'm hoping all our
chapter members had a safe and wonderful time with family and
friends over the holidays. With the media's focus on the Y2K issues,
the airport was never far from our minds during this holiday season.
I know we were all confident, but yet interested of how our
facilities were going to perform in the spotlight and as per usual,
our industry was up to the task.
With the new year upon
us, we face many challenges. The first and foremost is the
re-authorization of the FAA legislation. Congress has failed to
provide our industry with a long-term bill for the past few years
and the battle lines are drawn between the House and the Senate.
Never before have the stakes been so high. The nation's air traffic
control system is under increasing stress with delays this past
summer hitting all-time highs. Airport projects are backed up and
the cost to airports and airlines are exponentially increasing with
each passing day. Airlines are unable to plan for the future with
issues such as slots and perimeter rules hanging in the balance.
Does Congress really know what industry reactions they are creating
by their lack of action? I'm not sure, but it is our job and duty,
one way or another, as industry leaders to inform them.
I am pleased to report
that the Northwest Chapter will be taking a lead in doing our part
to get the information-sharing and lobbying job done in Washington.
As discussed in our last newsletter, I envisioned the establishment
of the NWAAAE Legislative Committee to further facilitate our needs
in Washington. The Committee would focus on the most important
aviation issues that typically involves our federal elected
officials (i.e., AIP reauthorization, appropriations, etc.). This
committee would work in a support role to AAAE's federal affairs
staff. In short, attempt to "bring in the votes" for our
eight states in the Northwest. In many instances, because of local
politics and protocol, individual airport managers are unable to
directly communicate with their elected officials. Although I think
this is bad policy because we should be the individuals and
facilities, we must learn to work around these constraints. The
Legislative Committee members from each state will be responsible
for working within their political environment, ensuring in one way
or another, to get the word to their members of congress on the
matter of the day. Your NWAAAE Legislative Committee is as follows:
ALASKA
Mr. Paul Bowers, AAE, Chair
COLORADO
Mr. Ron Dent, AAE
IDAHO
Mr. John Anderson, AAE
MONTANA
Mr. Rick Griffith
OREGON
Ms. Ann Crook, AAE
UTAH
Mr. Al Stuart, AAE
WASHINGTON
Mr. Dave Waggoner
WYOMING
Mr. Dave Ulane, AAE
I want to thank Paul and
the rest of the members for agreeing to work on this very important
committee. Past Presidents have told me when you ask for help from
the NWAAAE membership, you will be amazed at the positive support
you receive.
With the Presidential
election looming on the horizon, many believe our window of
opportunity on the re-authorization bill is in the next few months.
Let's all find a way to support this committee. Pick up the phone,
and push at getting this job done! |
