Ships good, airplanes bad

[JohnR]

In response to two articles in today's fish wrap, I wrote a letter to the editor.

The stories are about how Craig Muni's growth is stunted by political and neighbor opposition, yet no one minds doubling the size of the seaport.

Articles:
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/101207/met_207497136.shtml
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/101207/met_207497280.shtml

It's a complicated web of stupid, involving splitting the port authority and politics.

Letter:

The message is clear: Ships are good, airplanes are bad. The Friday, October 12 Times Union had a story about how Craig Municipal Airport's runway can't be lengthened because of a foolish political promise and because nearby residents complain. In the same paper, a story cheered the secret negotiations to build a major seaport facility on the St. John's River. Not one word of opposition was printed.

As a pilot, I'm all for growth in local aviation industries. It benefits the whole community in many ways. I also appreciate the shipping industry, and enjoy watching the big ships come and go on the river. Our city is a richer and more exciting place because of both.

However, it looks like splitting Jaxport into sea and air authorities has resulted in one getting anything it wants while the other gets nothing. Thanks, Jacksonville.

 

[flyersfan31]

Sigh...

 

[KennyFlys]

Sigh...

Class envy rules. GA airports represent rich white guys and shipping ports are blue collar workers. I'm not trying to spin this. It's just a sad fact that political ideology plays in these decisions. Objectivity goes out the window.