‘It’s time forthe grassrootsto be heard’
Datelined “Former Bader Field, N.J.” is an announcement that AeroBlue.org has been formed “to organize aviation into a unified influential voice in state and federal aviation policy decisions, protect, enhance and improve airports and improve compatible land use planning.”
The dateline is significant, as Bader – one of the nation’s oldest airports – was closed recently by Atlantic City’s government.
AeroBlue founders Simeon Hitzel and Andy Kondrach state that, “While aviation has several effective organizations, none are focused on grassroots airport support and none have the organization, power and influence found in other advocacy groups.”
AeroBlue, they say, is intended to “unite the voices of aviation to deliver effective, concrete changes necessary to improve our nation’s economy and enhance our children’s quality of life.”
The organization plans to focus on providing tools and resources for more effective advocacy, expanding its support base and “developing a more effective model to grow the aviation economy,” they say.
In a three-point statement of purpose, Hitzel and Kondrach say that:
• “It is imperative that airports are provided the same protection under the Interstate Commerce clause as provided to railroads, power-lines, pipelines, and marine navigation;
• “It is imperative that we protect our federal and state funding mechanisms and develop our own source of runway funds; and
• “It is imperative that states provide adequate planning for airports and the communities around them.”
The group is seeking contacts with local airport support groups and state-level aviation advocacy groups nationwide as it launches the program. It hopes to recruit state or regional directors to coordinate its future activities in the 50 states and territories.
“We’re also looking for a Constitutional-type attorney,” Hitzel said.
For more information: 908-477-4000