In response to the mayor’s op-ed regarding voting “yes” on the new airport terminal (Opinion, Herald, Aug. 28), I have the following questions:
Why is the airport expansion being prioritized over other issues such as replacing Durango’s aging water and wastewater infrastructure? (Please see numerous Durango Herald articles regarding homes that have been flooded, and left with the bill or having to navigate complicated legal terrain in addition to fixing their homes after aging city water mains have burst). Would it not be better to raise money, even property taxes, to provide a fund to support households that are affected when public facilities cause damage to private property?
Perhaps I have misunderstood something, but it seems that the chief motivation for the airport expansion is what motivates all of us to buy something we don’t need when it’s on “sale,” and that the perception of a possibly fleeting FAA subsidy and favorable interest rate climate is motivating us to spend money on something that perhaps shouldn’t be given as much priority as other things.
My suggestion is to use taxes on private property to support issues that actually affect private property; if the town is in such urgent need of an airport expansion, why not add an airport tax to those that actually use the airport via a surcharge on tickets? With 200,000 annual passengers, surely a $10-$20 surcharge would raise enough money?
While I travel a lot, I believe that taxes should be used for public goods, airports benefit only a certain segment of society. If the city will not take responsibility for compensating homes that have been affected by bursting aging water infrastructure, then a relief fund should be set up for that eventuality. I would happily pay extra property taxes to support my neighbors when city water mains continue to break and affect property.
Sure, the airport may not be the fastest experience in the world, but it’s faster than driving, and as long as it’s safe for aviation, to me it ain’t broke, and there is no need to spend millions to “fix” it.
David Sparkman
Durango
