New Council Members May Crack Airport Issue

The election of new City Council members in Burbank and Glendale this month has raised faint hopes for a break in the long-running impasse over construction of a new Burbank Airport terminal.

Burbank City Councilman Ted McConkey, one of the most vociferous critics of the proposed 19-gate terminal, was defeated for reelection Tuesday. His successor, David Laurell, said he wants to bring a more cooperative spirit to resolving the issue.

Burbank, which jointly runs the airport with the cities of Glendale and Pasadena, is concerned a new terminal would allow huge increase in flights and noise.

“We have moved out some of the elements that have made this a personal ego war,” Laurell said. “I believe the airport issue is bigger than any one person, and I want to be a positive part of three city councils working together to find a resolution.”

As for McConkey, Laurell said he “brought a lot of good, valid points to the table during his term.”

“But his demeanor got him in the way, rendering him ineffective,” said Laurell, who is the editor of two memorabilia publications--Autograph Magazine, and Pop Culture Collecting: Memories and Memorabilia.

Glendale and Pasadena representatives on the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority have staunchly supported the larger terminal. Glendale elected two new council members last week, one of whom, Gus Gomez, has said he would like to take a more conciliatory view toward Burbank’s objections.

Glendale Councilman Dave Weaver, who has also expressed sympathy for Burbank’s position, said the new personalities may help start a new dialogue.

“You have a new councilman in Burbank and two new councilmen in Glendale,” Weaver said. “They are going to have to become aware of the issues surrounding the airport. After that we can have a meaningful discussion of the issues.”

Burbank has maintained that it would accept a 19-gate terminal only if the airport agrees to limit the number of flights and hours of operation.

Airport officials have long maintained that only the Federal Aviation Administration can mandate such curbs on aviation and that the size of the expanded facility should be driven by passenger demand, now 4.7 million travelers per year.

One Airport Authority member was skeptical, however, that Burbank would budge from its demands for flight restrictions.

“From what I understand, Laurell is not in favor of an expanded airport and supports caps and curfews,” said Glendale Airport Commissioner Jerry Briggs. “If that’s the case, I don’t see a change in Burbank’s policy. However, I understand that he is more moderate than McConkey, and perhaps he may be able to open the door for further discussions.”

Together, the councils could have considerable influence over policies at the airport: Each has the power to name three representatives to the nine-member Airport Authority.