Reset the Airport Debate

I would like to reset the debate on this issue. I think that in large measure, the reason for the divide between the aviation community, and those who like me value the service we have in New Iberia from Gordon, is that the first, and for a long time, the only thing we saw on this issue came from Senator Hebert. No matter what you think of Senator Hebert, you have to agree that he has an abrasive and combative personality.   Many of us simply can't rule out that he was acting purely out of spite over unrelated issues. 

Had the Aviation community been out front, made reasoned and logical arguments backed up with EVIDENCE, we may have seen Troy's efforts in a different light. Still today, I have not seen any EVIDENCE that the landfill has affected the bird population any more than the seaplane strip, Spanish Lake, cane farming, or other things that ring the airport. Not to mention ARA co-habituating with the City GARBAGE dump for most of its history, and well within the 5 mile radius being asked for. 

I am from the questioning generation. The OPINONS of the aviation cheerleaders mean no more to me than those of the guys on Gordon's trucks. In the absence of fact based evidence, I am unconvinced. Moreover, I like many do not see ARA as ever being anything much beyond what it is today. 

 Outside of Bristow, there is little aviation based stable employment , and without investment in infrastructure that is highly unlikely, it's development will remain unfulfilled potential. Even with such investment, there will be others competing for the same development.

In summary, I will reserve final judgment for a time and allow you in the aviation community to present fact based evidence.   There have been enough opinions from all sides. In the absence of such facts, I am leaning in favor of the landfill. I think (though I am certainly not speaking for anyone but myself) that I am not unique in this.

Finally, I do choose to remain anonymous.  Make of that what you will. There can be a cost involved with disagreeing with some folks, and I have no financial stake in this to offset that risk.