Airport lighting system may not happen

Barrow airport.

Airport lighting system may not happen

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Wednesday, December 17. 2008

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Despite a warning that county funds likely would not be available for the project, the Barrow County Airport Authority voted Tuesday to pursue its own funding avenues for installation of an approach lighting system at Northeast Georgia Regional Airport.

Authority members said the “medium-intensity approach light system with runway alignment indicator lights (MALSR)” has been in the county’s plans for eight years and is urgently needed for the safety of pilots and for the long-term economic viability of the county-owned Northeast Georgia Regional Airport.

However, the Federal Aviation Administration demanded in a meeting two weeks ago an almost 250 percent increase in local funding for the project. And with as many as four of the seven authority members likely to be replaced after the Barrow County Board of Commissioners gets a new majority Jan. 1, Tuesday’s vote may not go very far. The total shortfall for the project is $894,000.

Authority member Don Holliday, who also is a past chairman of the BOC, said if the authority doesn’t come up with the matching funds, the airport in June 2009 would lose $528,000 in federal funding for the project and likely never get it back.

But BOC Chairman-elect Daniel Yearwood told the panel that SPLOST revenues are down and that the county probably would not have any money to contribute toward the ILS system. Yearwood resides near the airport and was propelled into power this year by an organized group of citizens opposing any additional investment or expansion of the airport.

Sammy Everett, the authority’s chairman, said even with no further authority action, the glide scope portion of the ILS is going in and that only the light part of the project is in danger of not being completed.

On a motion by Holliday, the authority voted unanimously, with Jerry Thompson absent, to attempt to secure at least $350,000 from a bank that previously agreed to loan that amount as the matching funds for the project. That loan is proposed to be augmented by $500,000 of county SPLOST funds that had been previously approved by voters, but those funds may or may not be made available by the new majority on the county BOC which is largely opposed to spending money on the airport.

“We will proceed to pursue $350,000 and the next administration can do what they want to do,” Everett said.

Tuesday’s meeting was the last regular meeting of the authority in 2008. However, a called meeting will be held at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 23, to pass the budget.

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#1 Anonymous on 12/17/08 at 02:47 PM [Reply]

This is infuriating! The FAA changes their mind and our AA thinks that that's just fine? We're going to "willingly" fork over 250% more money? From Barrow taxpayers?? And the AA just RUNNING to the bank to do it? Which "community-friendly" bank might we be talking about here??

#1.1 TC on 12/18/08 at 11:42 AM [Reply]

The community friendly bank would be the Peoples Bank in Winder. In the June 5th special meeting of the AA the authority made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign a 1.2 million line of credit at a rate of 3.55% fixed. One member stated that the LOC would be established for Airport needs such as the site prep for the Corporate Hangers and Glide Slope areas. There must be two signatures on checks, one from the Chairman and one from another member of the authoriy. There was no memntion of this 1.2 million at the meeting on Tuesday.

#1.2 Anonymous on 12/18/08 at 01:28 PM [Reply]

Ditto -- once the name of this bank comes to light -- citizens of Barrow -- voice your disapproval by not banking there!!!!

#1.2.1 R.Brogan on 12/18/08 at 04:32 PM [Reply]

That would be real smart. The Peoples Bank does more for our community than any other bank located here.

#2 Anonymous on 12/17/08 at 05:28 PM [Reply]

I totally agree.. People all over are loosing their jobs, unable to make payments that have erupted by scams and A.R.M. rates.. Now the AA wants $350,000!! Barrow County Employee's are looking at cut backs. Loosing holiday pay, even if some choosen few work the days, and this organization wants more?? Talk about "special intrest"! I would like to know the tax dollars generated at the airport, then compared to all the other properties around the County! Enough is Enough! Local Banks will to give that amount, then turn around and take your place when you loose your job, or get cut back at work. Just the way this place has been ran for years.. And to think, some outside company wants to buy this junk?

#3 Curtis on 12/17/08 at 10:10 PM [Reply]

I totally DISAGREE!!
Why is the airport authority colored up as the villain? Sounds to me like the FAA is the one "crawfishing" on their obligations. I think the airport authority has done a great job in improving our airport and seeking federal funds to implement these improvements. At least Barrow has one facility that is worth investing in. Let the airport serve it's purpose and attract industry and businesses. Maybe some investor will land at Winder and take a look around and be motivated to locate his or her business here and then ride out to the industrial park and lease the Hagemeyer building and put those 100 employees back to work. That's exactly what my employer did, right here in Barrow County. Not a bad scenario.....it could easily happen again!! We need to invest in our community. To those who have served on the airport authority, thank you for a job well done, let's hope Yearwood doesn't completely send it down the toilet and cost the county opportunities for economic growth.

#4 Anonymous on 12/18/08 at 02:11 PM [Reply]

This article only tells half of the story. Mike, could you verify and update? According to another newspaper (not Barrow) in addition to the $350,000 loan from the local bank, the AA said at their meeting that they will ask the BOC for an additional $500,000 (of taxpayer money). The shortfall is now close to $1 Million.

#4.1 Mike Buffington on 12/18/08 at 03:19 PM [Reply]

I'm checking to clarify the exact numbers involved and will post that here.
Mike

#4.2 Mike Buffington on 12/18/08 at 04:39 PM [Reply]

I've updated the story with a clarification on the total amount and how the funds are linked. Hope this helps.
Mike

#5 Curtis on 12/18/08 at 09:20 PM [Reply]

Mike, if I read this correctly, the new majority (the Yearwood regime) is denying SPLOST money that had been committed to the airport? Now that's about as underhanded as it gets. I just thought the FAA had shafted us, looks like Yearwood's bunch is worse. How is it that Yearwood can override the wishes of the voters (per your article update)? We're still getting half of the story Mike, tell the truth about the percentage of federal funding for the project. According to another source (not Barrow Journal) the feds are picking up the largest part of the bill. So why can't we take advantage of these federal funds to help our local projects? It will be hard to explain to voters / taxpayers why these federal funds were not utilized by the new commission. Furthermore, why is it you are so opposed to the improvements at the Winder airport? Jackson County airport is getting a runway extension and you haven't uttered a word of opposition in your other paper (Jackson Herald). Logically, if your ideals were consistent, you would be generating some ink on that project, besides it's only a few miles from your office. Are you really that biased? Do you wish for Barrow to remain 30 years behind the surrounding counties like we've always been? I guess if Jackson County moves ahead with it's airport improvements then they will probably secure the customer base that Winder airport was trying to accommodate and your home airport will be the beneficiary of your negative press about Winder. I thought you were gonna give Barrow some fair and truthful coverage. Tell the truth and ditch the bias!! I thought I was getting a good paper.....not a truthless rag!!

#5.1 Mike Buffington on 12/19/08 at 07:13 AM [Reply]

The Barrow Journal has not taken a position on the airport issue; we just reported what happened at the meeting. The federal funds issue is written about. BTW, the online story here is a shorter version of the printed story which had additional quotes from people at the meeting.
Mike

#5.1.1 Anonymous on 12/19/08 at 07:27 AM [Reply]

Yes, and you NEED to read those quotes, Curtis. My translation of their quotes is, "tough beans to the taxpayers, the AA is going to go out with a bang".
Is our highest priority supposed to be that the government wants to give us "free money"? There are times when accepting government money is not the best and brightest thing to do.

#5.1.2 Chris Smith on 12/19/08 at 08:21 AM [Reply]

Mike
Thanks for the excellent job you do. Your paper has generated questions and concerns that are long over due in Barrow County.
Chris Smith

#5.2 Anonymous on 12/19/08 at 07:18 AM [Reply]

Curtis, please remember that the "Yearwood regime" as you call it, has not "assumed power" yet. Please don't throw stones at the wrong people.

#5.2.1 Curtis on 12/19/08 at 10:27 AM [Reply]

I must have misread the article then. Hmmm, if Yearwood has not assumed power, then how and why was he addressing the airport authority and updating them on the current SPLOST money and telling them "the county probably would not have any money to contribute toward the ILS system". If he's not in power then why has he taken the position to handle county matters already? Sounds like he might be a little out of line.
I think "regime" is a fitting word, but "Reich" might be more correct considering his grand entrance to power. I'm thinking a recall of Yearwood might be necessary. We're doomed.

#5.2.1.1 J. Coile on 12/19/08 at 11:41 AM [Reply]

Curtis, maybe we are looking at this the wrong way, in that, Mr. Yearwood not wanting to devote the nessesary county funds to this project maybe the correct move. Could it be, that after meeting with the firm interested in buying the airport, he realizes the value of this deal, and no more county action would be needed. After all, he is a real-estate man and knows what a good thing for the county this would be. It would allow for growth and economic prosperity for the county, while also bringing back much needed tax revenue.

#5.2.1.2 anonymous on 12/19/08 at 12:23 PM [Reply]

No wonder good people will not run for political office. Yearwood was speaking as a public citizen who obviously has some insight to the county's financials ----because he has not been just sitting around waiting for January 1st.

#5.3 Anonymous on 12/19/08 at 12:37 PM [Reply]

Mr. Curtis is correct. The FAA portion of the grant is 80% if I'm not mistaken and the county pays 20% of the cost.

Mr. Yearwood doesn't have a vote. Our newly elected and current commissioners must be pressured into completing the ILS System MALSR portion of the project and not yield to a small group that wants to reverse Barrow County's progress to the horse and buggy days.

This project was approved and has been in the planning and development stage for years. The FAA requires this and all airport authorities to project long-term plans prior to furnishing grants such as the ILS, runway expansion, and other improvements. It would be a shame to negate years of planning by this and previous airport authority groups to improve Barrow County. Other airports such as Jackson County and Ben Epps smile as they expand services while Barrow County languishes in controversy that shouldn't exist. Voters approved SPLOST funding for these improvements.

While the general public won't realize the seriousness of not completing the MALSR until their tax bill increases, our school system and other beneficiaries of tax dollars generated via aircraft taxes and business taxes located within and around the airport, will feel further pain.

Nothing prevents the Guard from moving their helicopters and associated jobs to Athens or Jackson County if the Airport Authority and Barrow County fail to complete this project. Each time a helicopter crew takes off for instrument training, the crew must fly to an ILS capable airport, currently Athens Ben Epps. Each time a corporate aircraft flies to the Barrow County airport during inclement weather and must divert to another airport, the Barrow County Airport loses another opportunity to see funding increased. Any airport counts each landing and the FAA uses these counts to determine, in part, the dollar amount of funding via grants.

Don't be fooled by the attempts of groups to prevent growth because they moved into a home knowing the airport existed. The attempts by groups to prevent airport growth exist at larger airports as well.

Citizens decided the fate of the airport at the polls. The outcome was to allow the airport to grow and prosper. Unless one understands the distribution of taxes collected through the airport to the county as a whole, don't cut your nose off to spite your face and above all, don't listen to the who are uninformed on this blog. The hard work of the Airport Authority and commissioners should be applauded rather than accusing these individuals of profiting from their work. The authority is appointed, serves this county at no salary, and is made up of business leaders who understand aviation, FAA requirements, and have the vision to project growth due to their foresight. This airport doesn't exist to serve pilots with "big boy toys"; it exists to serve all Barrow County residents in one way or another. Senator Russell must be spinning in his grave because his positive vision is under such pressure by so few.

#6 Anon on 12/19/08 at 05:15 PM [Reply]

I agree with Curtis. We should let the AA do whatever they want with taxpayers money. Then maybe an investor WILL fly into the state-of- the-art airport and see great potential in a bankrupt County.

#7 Anonymous on 12/19/08 at 10:22 PM [Reply]

Mike, thank you for coming to Barrow and I think your paper is very fair & balanced.
The main issue with SPLOST is that revenues are down severely since the economic downturn. You cannot give money to any group or organization if there is none. Take a look at Barrow's finances. We are in the POOR HOUSE. There is no money to give to the AA.

#8 Curtis on 12/20/08 at 11:15 AM [Reply]

J. Coile, I guess we do see this differently, but why sell our airport and let an outside group reap the benefits of the hard work and money put into our airport? It's like building a house to the point of near completion and letting some jackleg buy it for material cost. It's even more stupid when the feds are picking up 80% of the tab and you're still complaining. The airport is OUR attraction for business and industry that we should maintain control of. It is a sound investment and the potential for economic growth is unmeasurable. And NO, the AA is not doing "whatever they want with taxpayers money", they are merely following the wishes of the taxpayer per splost funding. Think long term here folks. Typical Barrow county logic, commit to something and then back out (even when the feds are covering most of it). I am sure that aircraft based at the airport generate a heck of a lot more tax revenue than these bankrupt houses that litter the county. It would sure be nice for a company to relocate here and employ people to purchase and fill those houses. Your way of thinking is why we are thirty years behind our surrounding counties. What other venues are going to bring suitable industry candidates to Barrow? Highway 316 doesn't really help as it serves as nothing more than a "gastric by-pass" around Winder, Auburn, and Statham. Look at the map sometime, the state highway engineers did a grand job of nearly staying out of Barrow County. It lies as far south in the county as you can go just about. So what gives people, do you really think we are a self sustaining community? Think again! Think outside the box for a change. We need to let our airport serve it's purpose or we will be just a "bedroom community".

It's also funny how you defend Yearwood and stated "he is a real-estate man and knows what a good thing for the county this would be". Isn't this the same script we had with Garrison, who got tarred and feathered for being a "real-estate man". Sounds like Yearwood has his hand in the cookie jar to me. I'm wondering why this private firm interested in the airport wasn't talking to the current commission chairman? Really, Yearwood is just a common citizen at this time, correct? Just watch people, he'll line his pockets and the airport will be the sacrifice. Here are sone direct quotes from Yearwood from the July 30, 2008 Barrow Journal interview:

"I think I’ve sold one car in three months and it was a car I already had."

"I am not active hardly at all (in real estate). I have two listings that are actually not my own property. I have a building lot in Winder on Wright Street that is a listing and I have a house up on Lake Hartwell that is a friend of my wife. It’s not mine. The other property that I have listed under my name is actually my own property. I am not involved actually hardly at all."

Now, doesn't sound like he's a real good "real estate man" (amateur at best) or a good used car salesman either, so what is he good at? What makes him so qualified? Do you really think he's gonna run the county in a prosperous manner? Sounds like he was basically unemployed with nothing to do so he got a job as comission chairman. I mean, what foresight does he really have for this county besides wanting to squash the airport? I'm telling you, this county is doomed!!

80 / 20...........it doesn't take a "real estate" man to figure out that's a winning deal!

#8.1 Anonymous on 12/20/08 at 05:41 PM [Reply]

If the current Adminstration is so good.. What is going on with the GBI up there? Enlightne us on that one.

#8.1.1 Curtis on 12/20/08 at 10:32 PM [Reply]

Not sure I follow you on the GBI deal. What IS going on?

#8.2 Bill Healan on 12/21/08 at 03:08 AM [Reply]

If you are going to defame the Chairman-elect, have the fortitude to use your whole name. Those folks haven't even taken office yet. You have no facts to support your statements that Mr. Yearwood "has his hand in the cookie jar" or "he'll line his pockets". People like you do this county an extreme disservice,
Either give facts to support your position, give your whole name or crawl back under your rock.

#8.2.1 red ryder on 12/21/08 at 03:08 PM [Reply]

Where were you when Garrison was being pilloried this summer? Unsubstantiated charges abounded, yet many in the "blog" community were silent. Did you defend him also?

Not to say you were wrong here, but, to use a tagline, "fair and balanced" deserves to see the light of day.

#8.2.1.1 Curtis on 12/21/08 at 09:17 PM [Reply]

Red Ryder, I agree with you that Garrison was slammed, chewed up, and spit out during the elections. I guess Garrison did the best he thought he could do, end of story.
Now Bill, I am not sure you are reading the response correctly. I don't think I misled you to believe Yearwood had done anything illegal, unethical, etc. I merely quoted Mr. Yearwood himself, discussed and questioned his recent actions, and with that exposed some genuine concern and doubt about his ability to run this county. This is no form of defamation, just an inquiry into his actions (read the post completely; most comments are followed by a question mark). Quotes and documented actions serve quite well as "facts to support my position", which you asked of me. Furthermore, these are opinions as everyone here has one, some similar and some not (good ol freedom of speech,. We can all read the local papers and see that you and Yearwood are anti-airport, that's no secret so any positive remarks from you concerning the airport scenario would be a surprise!!
A question you might be able to answer Bill is why you were quick to make a stance on the ambulance contract (with concerns about lost revenue) but you seem to have no concern about equipping the airport to generate more revenue. I would think that you would want to improve the airport so it could be a more utilized resource for revenue. Here's a quote concerning this matter (ambulance) from September:

"In the past year, Pro Care has transported over 800 patients. Healan said the $800,000 in lost revenue could be used by the county."

That's really ironic, because from what I read on these posts it's almost exactly the amount of the shortfall for the lighting project. I guess if the ambulance contract had been handled differently (which you tried to do)then the $800,000 might have been available. That's ironic!! Bill, you had a reasonable reputation for fiscal accountability, which is what we expect and by all means "thank you", but it's dissappointing that you choose to neglect the needs of the airport, which would generate revenue for the county.

#8.2.1.1.1 Bill Healan on 12/23/08 at 01:24 AM [Reply]

Curtis, How can I misinterpret the two quotes in my original post? Those quotes can, in no way, have any foundation in Danny's statements. Your "opinions" have no basis in fact. They are simply gratuitous cheap shots that you can't back up
The rest of your post simply makes no sense.
How you can find a conflict in my being concerned about lost revenue and my concern about spending money when the economy is in a poosition unprecedented in my lifetime is a mystery to me. In order to avoid using too much space on this blog, call me. I'll be glad to discuss it with you.

#8.2.1.1.1.1 Curtis on 12/23/08 at 09:25 AM [Reply]

Bill, it's real simple. You show a concern for revenue in one scenario (ambulance), but you completely diregard the airport and show no interest in it's revenue capacity. It shows bias. If you are such a champion for department revenue gains then show concern and support equally for all departments / facilities. Several inquiries were made about the sheriff's office and the blown budget, but you didn't say a word. Why not?

And yes, I used quotes from Yearwood's interview as well as your quotes from the commission meetings to back up my logic, and maybe your legal mind is misled by the simplicity of a quote. That has a lot of foundation about Danny's statements, especially since it is a direct quote. How can you dispute that? A quote is the equivalent of a confession in your terms I suppose. Explain to me how that is a "cheap shot". It came from the horse's mouth. That's the best "back up" you could ask for. Also, I am fully aware of the economic situation locally, nationally, and globally and it is dismal. Yes, I am certain that Barrow's ledger balance resides in the toilet due to the economic fallout. Some bad decisions and lack of leadership didn't help either. You never, in your term as commisioner, managed the airport policy with any priority, it was definitely a back burner item. You have always been anti-airport, period. Your record proves it. Ultimately, the voters supported the airport improvements and now the airport is getting the shaft. Another example of committment followed by no action. I call it deception (lying) to the voters! I would love to discuss this with you as it might be informative and an interesting debate. However, since Steve Worley spanked you at the polls, it would likely serve no benefit as you will be out of office in 8 days!

#9 Anonymous on 12/20/08 at 05:36 PM [Reply]

You know.. Curtis acts as if he knows alot about the AA.. Have you been around here long, or just moved here a few years ago? Remember when the City of Winder had a hand in on the Airport? Some people thought it was over.. Seems as if it made it through everything just fine.. I have always believed "less government" was a better government. Do you pay taxes? Have you noticed how big of an increase there has been over the past several years? You say we should do whatever we need to to secure "Free Money". Even so.. Free comes with a price tag today of $350,000. Is that free?? What part of "We are broke" do people not understand???

#9.1 Curtis on 12/20/08 at 10:25 PM [Reply]

Let's think about why we are "broke"? One reason is our limited outside revenue sources. It's kind of like a sales tax, which I always favor instead of a property tax, when given a choice or vote. I'd rather the commuters that go through our county chip in a little bit than have all the local people take it on the chin. The bottom line is can we risk letting our investment go down the toilet before we get to reap the benefits? The county is broke due to a hard lesson in fee collection. Ask all the developers that got screwed over by impact fees and all the repetitive permit fees. The rule is that you are not supposed to budget based on these fees and it looks like Barrow has done just that, because the blame for everything seems to be pointed toward the slow down in the housing market. Every surrounding county fell in the same trap, Gwinnett especially. Of course, I have watched my taxes go up and don't really expect them to go down, that's reality, I've seen it my whole life. Remember, the AA is not the bad guys here, the FAA is the responsible party. You've read the same data I have, if we don't use our alloted funds which the FAA has their hands on, then we lose it, that's $500,000 down the tube. I do agree in less government, by all means, I despise paying high taxes, which is why I would like to see some of my federal tax dollars come back home to my town. You seem to be "looking a gift horse in the mouth", as the feds will pay the bigger part of this. Lood at the facts, not the garbage you are fed by the small group that hates the airport.

#9.1.1 cookie on 12/23/08 at 07:04 AM [Reply]

If the airport authority would pay the county back the seven hundred thousand they owe for back employees pay(from 2003-2007) that magically disappeared in 2007, it would help the county budget. You think???

#10 C.M. Thornton, III on 12/21/08 at 01:59 AM [Reply]

I really wish BOC would raise taxes a little bit...

#11 Anon on 12/22/08 at 03:49 PM [Reply]

Why hasn't anyone posted any numbers to back up their statements? How many planes fly in and out of the airport? Of those, how many are local, and how many are commuters? While we cannot take the stance "if you build it they will come", if it is such a booming business then we should invest in it.
I have a GPS in my car, don't planes have GPS? What and why do we need an ILS if people are using GPS?

#11.1 Curtis on 12/23/08 at 09:33 AM [Reply]

A simple example to compare your vehicle to an aircraft would be like relying on your GPS in your car on a foggy night with no headlights. GPS merely gets you in the vicinity but lacks the precision to align you with the runway for a safe landing, especially in low visibility and inclement weather. I hope this helps.

#12 DuWaye R. Anderson on 12/23/08 at 10:29 AM [Reply]

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to remind all on this site, that all SPLOST funding requests must be voted on by the citizens of the county. SPLOST funding for this issue was voted on and approved.
Many disagree with the original vote that was taken, and wish it had been defeated. I understand that view, but the folks who bothered to get out and vote in this county, approved the SPOLST funding. End of story. Both Mr. Yearwood, and Mr. Healan, are fully aware of the legal requirements of honoring that vote when the funds are actually received by the county. If SPOLST funding is behind due to lagging tax revenues then Yearwood can't give the AA funds he doesn't have yet. But, once those funds ARE available, they must be used for the purpose intended. Any other attempt to withhold or re-direct those funds to other county budgets or issues, would surely bring legal scrutiny by the State of Georgia, should a complaint be filed by the AA.
Nothing constructive can come of trying to posture an opposing position with attacks against the incoming Yearwood Administration.
Mr. Yearwood is fully aware of his responsibilities in this matter,and I am sure will consult with the county attorney at his earliest opportunity should he have any questions.

Respectfully submitted,
DuWayne R. Anderson
Winder, GA

#13 Curtis on 12/23/08 at 08:37 PM [Reply]

I am betting the funds get redirected elsewhere. Yearwood and Healan are anti-airport, always have been. Healan got canned in the elections but Yearwood will carry the same "anti" agenda. You bet he'll consult with the county attorney.....to make sure he can choke the airport out!! Somebody better watch this closely.

#13.1 Sam on 12/24/08 at 06:44 AM [Reply]

Yeah,I bet the redirected money will be spent on "stupid" stuff like fixing old roads,paying Co. workers,keeping up the water and sewage systems,trying to keep the Health dept open. Small,small stuff compared to lights,the ILS system and building-up the airport,which we all use on a daily basis! Everybody better watch this closely. To all the people that think the airport's such a grand idea,why don;t ya'll lease it.But remember Barrow Co. won't be paying your employee's wages or benefits. And they're hoping to make 15 grand in 2009.Big profits,Go for it!!

#14 Curtis on 12/25/08 at 05:06 PM [Reply]

Sam, you gotta get dressed before you go to the dance. With your kind of logic, Barrow won't get invited!! Here again, a fine example why Barrow is the whipping boy of NE Georgia. I think I hear banjo music.........

#14.1 Sam on 12/28/08 at 06:39 PM [Reply]

I think I would stay home from the dance if getting dressed up broke my family and friends.With my kind of logic Barrow Co. might not go bankrupt.And bango music should have been the last bunch's theme song.

#15 Anonymous on 12/27/08 at 07:12 PM [Reply]

Good News, the term of the Splost vote will end fairly soon. Let's take it back to the polls and re-vote. Think about it? I think that Barrow County citizens will choose the basics over some "pretty airport lights". We are in the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Barrow Countians: please stay strong and remember that the basics have to be met and let us overcome like our ancestors did in the 1930s. We need to return to Good Old Common Sense. With it we will prevail; Without we will fail.

#16 DuWayne R. Anderson on 01/03/09 at 11:11 AM [Reply]

If Yearwood redirects any SPLOST funds without voter approval, he will instantly become a target for possible legal issues that will tie up county funds, and put a further burden on county taxpayers, not to mention the negative attention Barrow County would be subjected to.
I hope he has better sense than that.
DuWayne R. Anderson
Winder, GA

#17 Sheilah on 01/08/09 at 01:11 PM [Reply]

I hardly think that lights which keep a pilot from crashing should be called pretty lights. Some of these comments sound so petty and immature. The AA has been given a bad rap. They have worked very hard to update our airport. They don't need all the bashing from people who really do not know the whole story.

#17.1 Chris Smith on 01/10/09 at 01:35 PM [Reply]

For the record I agree that the ILS landing system is needed for safety at an airport that has allowed numerous single family homes to be built in it's flight zone. AA member Mr. Holliday has in hand in both that type development and the urgent installation of the ILS no matter what the cost. Maybe it's because he can't sleep at night worried about the safety of those families who live in homes he sold them near the airport or it could be that he himself is a private pilot and it is a major inconvience when he and others can't fly due to the weather. I have lived the "whole story" of the AA and how they get what they want at any cost for the past 44 years of my life. The airport is located in an area that has been allowed to develop to the point that it will always pose a safety threat to those who are forced to live in it's shadow. It's sad to see the AA say that what they have done in the past is in the name of public safety and the commissioners are having to vote next Tuesday on how to furlow and cut the work time of all county employees including emergency and public safety positions so that the county will not go bankrupt. Has anyone asked what plans the AA has to cut thier budget? Where are the true priorities when it comes to public safety? Some may not deserve the bad rap but they have made thier beds and now they have to lie in them. Chris Smith

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