Friday, August 15, 2003

Channel 13 Live Appearance - And Some Suggestions for PIP "Partners in Progress", real pips from what I've seen, unveiled a 30-second TV spot lamenting our "unsafe" airport.  Channel 13 asked me to comment about it on their 6 AM newshour.  I expressed my disappointment that community leaders would stoop to a negative advertising campaign which discredits our area.  What is next?  "Hurry Down to Bay County and Drown!" or "Bay County - Canoeing in Your Own Front Yard"? As I've said before, this airport scheme needs no critics, the boosters are killing it themselves... On the serious question of improving the airport, I pointed out two ways to solve the runway standards issue, but since neither involved spending $250 Million or anchoring the St. Joe Sector with a new airport, I don't expect much interest from the airport district.    1:23:15 PM    comment

My Date with the Democrats Last night, I gave a short presentation on the airport relocation issue to the Bay County Democratic Party.  I was well received and these folks seemed to appreciate hearing some factual background and my opinion on the issue.  County Commissioners Gainer and Brock responded with their viewpoint.  It was a quite different atmosphere from the recent Republican Party meeting on the same issue.  At that meeting, two legislative staffers were sent in as "parliamentary gunslingers" to make pre-emptive motions and limit discussion so that Republicans did not hear my viewpoint, even though I am a member of the Executive Committee. Both parties have (rightly, in my opinion) declined to get involved on either side of the issue.  How they reached that conclusion was quite a contrast...  Someday, I may learn to play the "public meeting" game; so far the returns on the effort are minimal. 1:07:43 PM    comment

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