Airport Debate in Van Nuys

* On Dec. 14, you published an article by Dade Hayes concerning the Van Nuys Airport’s FAA [funded] Part 150 [Steering Committee] (“Airport Committee’s Makeup Criticized.”)

In that article you clearly reflected the concerns of Sen. Barbara Boxer and State Sen. Tom Hayden, but made no effort to help clarify the issue for your readers. It is my feeling that your article only served to lend fuel to the already volatile issue.

I believe that responsible reporting demands that one examine more than who was the appointing authority for each of the Part 150 panelists. Had that been done, The Times would have been in a position to inform not only Boxer and Hayden, but the Valley homeowners community as well that backgrounds of the 21 panelists are such that on any vote the outcome will almost assuredly favor homeowner interests. Although the BOAC [Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners] appointed 11 panelists, only six of those members are likely to be supportive of aviation-sensitive issues. Two BOAC appointees will align with homeowner interests, and two appear to be quite independent. One BOAC appointee will vote only to break a tie, and given the makeup of the remainder of the panel, that is not realistic.

So who gains from the furor raised by Hayden about having not been included on the panel? Will he bring any particular expertise about the mitigation of aviation noise? I think not. Thus it seems that Hayden is the only one who has benefited, and what he has gained is another public window to further his political ambitions. Sadly, you did nothing to educate readers about the complete facts.

ROBERT L. RODINE

Sherman Oaks