Ms. Roman,

With all due respect, I have seen absolutely NO evidence that Mr. Iler is a spokesperson for "most" along the waterfront. I would accept that he "might" be a spokesperson for airport opponents along the waterfront but that would be it. As I've mentioned many times before, I have yet to see ANY evidence that, as CAIR insists, MOST people on the "waterfront" are opposed to the airport. Surely, everyone's opinions deserve some consideration and not JUST those opposed to the airport. Read the blogs on any major newspaper site and you will find the ratio of airport supporters (many say they live on the waterfront) to opponents is about 5 to 1. While this is only anecdotal evidence, it reassures me that MANY people don't quite agree with the Community Air vision for the waterfront.

Many people, like me, see the airport as a vital piece of transportation infrastructure that, until recently, was underutilized. Furthermore, the airport fits nicely into the BIG picture of a waterfront that includes opportunities for people to relax, live and work. I absolutely acknowledge that the airport has obtrusive characteristics to SOME area residents/visitors/workers. However, as one waterfront resident said to me recently, "just because some people don't "like" it (Island Airport) doesn't mean it should be closed. - That is NOT a good enough reason. Either learn to live with it or you are free to move."

That quote came from a waterfront resident, who is also an avid boater who drives a SMART car because of his environmental concerns. It is only one person's opinion, but despite what CAIR would like us all to believe, that opinion is far more prevalent than it is given credit for and as such, deserves the same recognition and respect that airport opponents seek.

Take Care!
Joe