Remember when we invited the Commission candidates to submit their position on the commercialization during the Primary Election? Pulled this out of the archives! CANDIDATE RESPONSE: MR. TODD POWNALL, POST 2 COMMISSION INCUMBENT. My name is Todd Pownall, and I currently serve as the Post 2 Commissioner in Paulding Co. I am seeking reelection for the Post 2 Commission seat, in hopes of serving you and our wonderful county for the next four years as a “public servant” and not just an elected official. Many of you already know where I ...stand on the commercial airport issue, but I would like to take this opportunity to share my position again. I am against turning our general aviation airport into a commercial airport that would service commercial passenger jets and cargo planes for two reasons. First, because the people of Paulding Co. were promised their county airport would never be commercial. Both elected officials and airport personnel promised the people this when they imposed an airport on the county, which the people had voted down twice. We’re now told by some of these same people that things change. What’s changed is their own personal vision; not the opinion of the people. I strongly believe government should keep their promises and honor their word, and if for some reason that can’t be done, it needs to be taken to the people for their input and/or vote. It’s called democracy. The other reason I oppose a commercial airport is because of the secret, backdoor manner in which the Airport Authority and Commissioners handled this issue. Keeping me, as a Commissioner, 155,000 residents, and even the FAA in the dark for a year after signing a deal with Propeller Investments to turn our airport commercial is unacceptable! If there’s anything I support, it’s open, honest and ethical government. The way this situation was handled from the beginning could not be more of a contradiction to not only my principles, but the way government should function. Making secret deals behind closed doors, and keeping the citizens in the dark needs to stop NOW! I will continue to stand strong and do what it takes to stop the commercialization of our airport. Working together, you and I will keep Paulding a great place to live! My name is Todd Pownall, and I would be honored to serve Post 2 and Paulding Co. for another four years as your Commissioner. Thank you.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 11:23:11 +0000