Airport Plans Should Come Back to Earth

* Ventura County Taxpayers should know a number of facts about our airports.

First, Rod Murphy, the new airport administrator, has completed master plans for both Ventura County airports costing $300,000. There was no input from the public or airport users for these exclusively orchestrated “Murphy Plans” that will displace more than 100 general aviation hangars, at an estimated cost of more than $1 million, to accommodate larger jet aircraft at Camarillo Airport.

The administrator plans to spend an additional $400,000 for consultants to do new noise studies when the last studies done were completely ignored. Supervisor John Flynn was the only one to object to this exorbitant proposal.

Murphy appointed himself director of the newly formed Point Mugu Joint Powers Authority. As he is presently administrator for Ventura County airports, this is a direct conflict of interest. Murphy also recommended a 15.6% pay raise for himself, $79,274, plus being reclassified to receive management perks. He proposes for himself a deputy director that will “relieve the director of administrative detail,” an executive secretary and three additional managers for the airports.

This is but a sample of the outrageous expenses that exist. While these extravagances are being allowed to happen, taxpayers are asked to give more tax dollars for libraries and schools.

If you oppose wasting taxpayers’ dollars, call the Camarillo and Oxnard City Council members and the Ventura County supervisors who are supposed to be overseeing and guarding our tax dollars. Ask them why this is allowed to happen.

DON HOLLINGSWORTH

Camarillo

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Now let me get this straight. Even though the population of Oxnard has increased since 1990, Oxnard Airport usage has decreased from 46,275 to 39,989 flights and the airport is expected to lose $69,500 in operating costs this year. And, yet, some our our elected officials think we should spend $31 million of taxpayers’ money to expand and upgrade the airport. The logic just doesn’t fly.

I think it’s safe to say that the vast majority of Oxnard residents do not use the airport, the train and bus station. It makes you wonder just whose interest some of our elected officials are representing.

Residential development has already nearly surrounded the airport. It’s obvious to me that the need is for more housing, not for more airport. Public officials must face the fact that the city and the airport can no longer coexist. We’ve already spent more than $25 million of taxpayers’ money to move Oxnard High School because of the airport, even though the high school was there first.

We must not allow Oxnard to become home to the “John Wayne Airport” of Ventura County. It’s clear to me that the downward trend in usage indicates a need to either cut back, relocate or even close the airport.

CHRISTOPHER KINGSLEY

Oxnard