Common Ground

Thank You But Keep Your Money

Posted by Steve Bukosky on Oct. 24, 2010

Politics-Local, Economy, Development and Growth, Aviation and Airports

I was away on business when using my iPod's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel application, I read the news story about Waukesha County receiving federal and state money. It read; "The Federal Aviation Administration is providing $719,458 while the state and Waukesha County are each paying $18,930 toward the project." The money is for increased security at Dale and Dean Crites Airport.

For the record, I'm a licensed pilot. Took my test from Harland Sedgwick at the airport. I volunteered for some EAA conventions, standing on the runway and waving off airplanes to make room for those behind them on final approach. A dangerous job if there is any there. I had to hustle on more than one occasion for the occasional plane rolling out long or just having some fun with me. I worked at two other airports, Capital Drive and Timmerman, for several years doing various things including flying. My point is that I am pro-aviation and have some experience behind me.

It is my observation that security at the airport is adequate. More is not necessarily better. Especially in tight economic times. It doesn't need to have the security of a state prison. I question the need for double gating and larger fencing or whatever is planned in that regard. Deer are not as much of a problem as geese and other birds are. How many aircraft/deer incidents have we heard about? How many geese incidents?

If it's security and geese control they want, the solution is across the street from the airport at the Humane Society. Boarder Collies for the geese control and a few German Shepards and Rottweilers will do nicely.

To be fair, there may be other considerations making this expenditure valid. I invite anyone from the airport commission, county board or other position of knowledge to state their case. As it is, it seems to be money wasted.