BURBANK : Council Asks Advice on Airport Conflict
The Burbank City Council is seeking the California attorney general’s opinion on a recent conflict-of-interest question: Is it appropriate for council members to also serve on Burbank Airport’s governing board?
Opponents of the Airport Authority’s plans to expand an aging terminal contend that Burbank councilmen Robert Bowne and George Battey Jr. cannot simultaneously balance the interests of the airport and the city’s residents.
The issue consumed most of Tuesday’s City Council meeting and much of last week’s meeting. At last week’s meeting, the council ordered a study on whether airport commissioners should be elected--rather than appointed--to give the public greater input.
Council members voted 4 to 0, with Battey abstaining, to ask the state attorney general for guidance on the matter.
“This is not just an airport issue,” said Councilwoman Susan Spanos. “It’s really more of a desire to seek resolution.”
Council members stressed that they are not seeking outside advice to admonish City Atty. Joe Fletcher, who has said no conflict exists.
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