EDITOR:
Your article on July 15 about the airport weight ordinance was enlightening and illustrative, but it didn't shed much light on the actual issues at hand. Instead, it provided insights into how important decisions are made in this county.
You obviously cannot write a report covering all facts and viewpoints because all the conventional county leaders are singing from the same song sheet. You quoted no less than five public officials and they were almost falling over each other to explain why we absolutely must get rid of the aircraft weight limit! Except that they explained nothing. This, despite an avalanche of public sentiment to the contrary! Not one single public official seems willing or able to provide you with a complete and honest interview covering all angles fairly. But why?
Almost every single public official - elected, appointed, and salaried - is motivated to actively defy the will of the voters. I can back this assertion with abundant specifics, but suffice it to say here that some are looking for the easy way out, some have deep personal self-interest in airport growth, some may be interested in career growth, and others just haven't sufficiently studied the matter. The regular folks of our county seem to have absolutely no one actively representing their interests and listening to them.
Actually, it's worse than that. The county leaders just entered into a process of gathering public input, however, as is obvious from your recent article, they have already made up their minds as to the best solution and are actively out there campaigning for it.
I believe there is a way to resolve the current crisis of direction for the airport without defying the will of the people, but the first step must be an honest effort by all county leaders to explore new ideas. I will be the first to volunteer to help make this work out well for all of us. I call on the county commissioners to set the tone and demand a genuine effort to respect the residents and consider all other potential solutions.
Jim Herd
Gardnerville
