Dear Erie Neighbors,
The topic of the Airport's future continues to buzz around town. That buzz is
sure to get louder as the contractor who is developing the new airport
master plan brings the recommendations forward to the Board of Trustees.
The
contractor has already been in hot water for developing and sharing the
new plan with airport advocates before town staff or your elected
officials could see it to ensure the interests of the majority of Erie
residents are best served.
At
a minimum this has the appearance that the new master plan was
developed outside of having the best interests of Erie overall in mind.
I can tell you as your elected official that I will have a hard time supporting any master plan that is in conflict with the 2009 Airport Economic Study
which gave an understanding of the actual economic situation at the
Erie airport. The consulting company, Boyd International, did this
report for Erie. Based in Colorado, but recognized internationally as
airport experts, Michael Boyd is often on the news talking about
aviation.
I’m
told there are at least two controversial elements in the report. One
is references to a potential extension of the main runway and a
reactivation of the secondary runway. Both of these go counter to the
economic study and appear not to be in the best interest of Erie
overall.
I’ll be asking these simple questions when the report comes to the Trustees for adoption:
- How will expanding the main runway to provide larger jet service to Erie benefit the majority of homeowners in Erie?
- How would increased noise and expanded frequency of larger planes maintain and increase Erie property values?
- With the FAA saying they would not financially support reopening the closed secondary runway, how would we fund the reopening?
- How would the perception of the expansion impact future development, both residential and retail?
What other question should I consider asking? Please chime in below.
I
would like to see the Airport become a successful, fully self sustained
business in Erie, just not on the backs of Erie’s residents.
Take care,
Janice
Dear Erie Neighbors,
As
oil and gas related topics continue to be at the top of many residents’
list, I want to share with you an upcoming
series titled “"FrackingSENSE: What We Know, What We Don’t Know, and
What We Hope to Learn about Natural Gas Development".
Here is a short introduction to the information about the series:
The Center of the American West, CU Continuing Education, Boulder County, and the AirWaterGas Research
Network invite you to a new lecture series. On Tuesday nights through
May, a speaker with substantial expertise on natural gas development
will provide a measured, honest exploration of this controversial topic.
To learn more about it, please visit the link: www.centerwest.org
The lectures take place at CU Boulder.
Take care,
Janice
Dear Erie Neighbors,
Good news! The Colorado general obligation (GO) bond rating has improved.
Here is what the report said:
Feb.
27, 2013--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services raised its rating and
underlying rating (SPUR) on Erie, Colo.'s general obligation bonds to
'AA+' from 'AA', with a stable outlook.
"The
upgrade reflects the town's consistently very strong fund balances
along with very strong wealth levels for this area," said Standard &
Poor's credit analyst Michael Stock.
The ratings reflect our assessment of the town's:
-- Good management practices and policies
-- Very strong incomes
-- Somewhat concentrated sales tax base
The
report goes on to say that the strong general fund balances is needed
to help the town get through any potential tough economic times over the
next two years. Thanks to a rainy day fund established several years
ago, the general fund balances looked good to the evaluators. The
current BOT must be incredibly conscientious about spending these
funds.
The
strong wealth levels are thanks to the high median household income.
Way to go Erie residents!
You can read more facts about The Town of
Erie 2013 Community Profile on the town website at www.erieco.gov
Take care,
Janice
