In his recent editorial submission, under the heading “Housing construction in airport traffic area”, Mr. Krause uses hyperbole to try and convince us that noise and encroachment issues were responsible for the closure of two general aviation airports and one “struggling for its life”. The implication is that these same issues will force the closure of Sanderson Field if the Shelton Hills Development project is allowed to go forward.

What follows, as Paul Harvey used to say, “Is the rest of the story”.

1) The first airport cited by Mr. Krause was in Blain, WA, near the Canadian border. Prior to closure, Blaine Airport was listed under “Abandoned or Little Known Airfields”, and had only a 2,539 ft. runway (half the length of Sanderson Field runway). But neither “noise aggravation” nor residential encroachment was responsible for the closure of Blaine; in 2008 the city council chose to close the airport, entirely for economic reasons.

2) The second airport closure cited was Sun Valley, or Hailey Airport, in Idaho. As with Blaine, Hailey Airport was not closed as a result of any encroachment or noise issues; rather it was replaced by a new, larger facility, Friedman Memorial Airport. The only part residential growth played in the closure of Hailey airport was to expedite construction of a new, larger airport with more amenities.

3) Finally, Paine Field Airport, described by Mr. Krause as “struggling for its life”, is located 30 miles north of downtown Seattle. The airport is home to 615 general aviation aircraft and the largest third party repair center in North America, servicing Alaska, Delta, Southwest and UPS fleets. Paine Field Airport accommodates 747s, 767s, 777s and even the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner on a regular basis. And though Paine Airfield does have some noise issues, it is definitely not “struggling” or in jeopardy of closure anytime in the foreseeable future. Moreover, to compare Paine Airfield to Sanderson Field is not so much comparing apples to oranges as it is apples to elephants.

4) Mr. Krause goes on to state that “Sanderson’s economic impact on Shelton is $12 million, annually”, or about half of the entire budget of Mason County. But according to the Port of Shelton’s own accounting figures, gross revenues generated from airport operations at Sanderson Field were reported to be only $161,789.71 in 2010. How Mr. Krause gets $12 million dollars of annual economic impact from that hard figure is a mystery only he can explain.

On a final note, presenting hyperbole as fact is a tactic used by port managers to propel an ideological agenda. But spin the facts as they may, not even the port can dance away from the damage it has inflicted on our economic recovery. At the end of the day, the best chance Mason County has to grow and prosper may be sabotaged by the very municipality created to promote just such growth. And if history is any indication, the port will do it all while claiming it’s for our own good.

Tom Davis, Shelton

Time for some facts.  Two authors supporting construction of housing within the Sanderson Airport Traffic Pattern would like us to believe people actually seek homes next to airports for the sheer joy of aviation.  That is true at many “private” airports where aviation enthusiasts build homes on private strips and hangar their planes at their home. Evergreen Sky Ranch; Blakely Island; and Diamond Point are examples. However, you will seldom find citizens buying homes around Regional Airports such as Sanderson just because, “they like the noise.” History shows such uncontrolled encroachment eventually closes down airports because of the resultant noise aggravation. This recently happened at Blaine, WA and Hailey, ID (Sun Valley). Plus Paine Field is now struggling for its life.  The authors’ use of “apples and oranges” rationale justifying housing just doesn’t work.  We lose an airport every week and a half in this country already. Moreover, the noise tests conducted and paid for by the developer and not the City – were proven bogus by the aviation faction which was totally ignored.

 Please note these two authors are developers and from California - where aviation has lost 37 airports in the last two decades - mostly due to encroachment.

Airports are Essential Public Facilities and economic engines.  Sanderson’s economic impact on Shelton is $12 million annually.  Can we afford to lose that when Sanderson closes?

The writers tout “plenty of jobs.”  What happens to the existing two dozen, high paying, high tech, long term jobs if Sanderson closes?  

         The citizens of this community deserve to know the real facts and long term implications. 
Jack Krause, Shelton

Fellow members of Shelton and Mason County, 

A proposal has been placed on the table of the CCA board to give a name to the Transit Community Center. The motion was placed by Mr. Brian Avery of the same board. The proposal was to name the Center " the GERALD K. LINGLE transit community center" This was recieved by most of the board and other entities in a very positive light. Unfortunately, when voted on, the board was deadlocked with the statement to the effect that there was not enough public suport for something like that. REALLY???? The one man in this State, County and City that would stand behind the charicter of anyone without exception.
The youth of our community knew "UNCLE GERRY" on a one on one level through law enforcement, sports, community activities and events . His interaction, life lessons and relationships have helped to form our children into the leaders of the future. To help re form our lost adults and made our community into a welcome place to live.
Maybe the board never met Gerry. Maybe they have someone better to emulate what we would all espire to be. Maybe one of them never "listened to the loving , honest conversation he shared" as the handcuffs went on. Never has there been a more honest, caring, devoted and loving public servant and citizen in this county that I have personally met. ( and my grandfather was one of our county commisioners ) . I respect my fathers and grandfathers public service of years and years. They did much also, but Gerry was a true personal hero to everyone he met. and will be remembered with a smile and loving respect.
If the CCA board cant figure this out, maybe we need to make up their minds. Please call the following number and voice your support of the naming of the GERALD K. LINGLE transit community center.

Dale Elmlund, Shelton