THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE

Submitted to Shelton Blog by Tom Davis

Port of Shelton Commissioners' Meeting 11/16/10

CAN THE PORT AFFORD AN AIRPORT?

Think about the critical services that are being cut in Mason County. Now think about all the people that have lost their jobs, the cutbacks at our schools and library, the poor condition of our roads, the increased fees for permits and other services and lots more, all because our local officials have mismanaged the budget.

Okay, now think about the money the Port of Shelton Commission has approved to maintain and expand the facilities of Sanderson Field to accommodate the pilots of the 59 registered aircraft located in Mason County. Millions. That's right, millions of dollars have been spent to operate and maintain Sanderson Field Airport. And why?

Because two of the Port's sitting commissioners, and the Port's Director of Operations are active pilots. Matter of fact, not only is Mr. Dobson, the Port's Director, a pilot, but he's also president of the Washington Pilot's Association (WPA). Not the past president, the current president.

Now in the real world, occupying two potentially conflicting positions might be viewed as a potential conflict of interests. But not for Mr. Dobson, who appears entirely comfortable- even eager- to exercise his dual authority in order to assure the expansion of Sanderson Field Airport.

In fact, Mr. Dobson has stated in the WPA newsletter that he'd rather quit his job as Director of the Port of Shelton rather than preside over the closing of a Washington airport.

So there you have it. No conflicts.

The problem is that running an airport is not inexpensive. And, even though the Port would like the public to think a small airport pays it's own way, nothing could be further from the truth.

Numbers don't lie, but people do.

$87,402 for the Airport Master Plan

$108,000 for the Airport Obstruction Survey

$14,000 to Relocate the Rotating Beacon

$125,000 for an Airport LPV/GPS Approach

I suspect the actual airport part of Sanderson Field is a money swamp; a private flyboy club- if you will- whose operating costs are being offset by more responsible business ventures located in the adjacent industrial center.

Fact is, the sacred cow that is Sanderson Airport may not be such a good business investment. How much income does the airport actually generate for the port? Who knows.

I asked that question of Port Director, John Dobson at today's meeting and he threw out a bunch of numbers designed to confuse and confound. No detailed explanations, no offer to provide supporting documents (I'll file a PDR for those), just another fast-talking attempt to baffle the public with BS.

In these economically depressed times, can Mason County really afford an airport that benefits a few at the expense of many?

We'll see. The numbers don't lie.