Local ‘Crossfire’

Crossfire — with Matt and Cliff!

With Cliff (Mansfield) guarding the right and Matt (Rankin) on the left — you’ll have all sides of the issue. Cliff can condescend and insult — and Matt can ridicule and brow-beat.

Cliff can buy a new hand gun and Matt can copy down the serial numbers.

Matt can testify about air quality and Cliff can go light a bonfire.

Allegations will fly, there’s talk of an affair, Cuban cigars and some backdated stocks — really, this story has a long ways to go. Why stop now — keep those opinions coming.

Dallas Fridley
Hood River

Way to learn

Regarding Matt Rankin’s response (April 11) to the plethora of letters by Cliff Mansfield, I appreciate Cliff’s approach to anyone not a far-right Republican. His articulate opinion opposes mine completely; however, this only affirms my long-held doctrine of being a tax-paying, hardworking small business owner and teacher.

His diligence to the far-right mass media message only incites further need for others to seek the facts and state the truth.

 For opportunities in our community to educate yourself on peace and justice issues, contact www.columbiariverpeace.org.

Trish Leighton
Hood River

Sword verse

After reading Tom Yates’ letter (Hood River News April 8) I have to say that I agree with him that the root cause of so much violence is, in fact, sin. I also agree that Jesus has paid the price for all our sins and through Him we have a counter to our sin nature. But the article was also about gun control. While the misuse of guns is a very troublesome plight on our society, guns are not the problem.

So let’s look at this from a biblical perspective. The weapon of choice 2,000 years ago was the sword. The Romans used a short (about 16-inch) sword. It was both an offensive and a defensive weapon. The Roman soldiers kept their swords very sharp and were well-schooled in its use.

A few days before Jesus was to be given up to the Romans to be executed, He gathered up his group of followers and asked them. “When I sent you without purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They replied that they had lacked nothing. Then Jesus said, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”

So the problem is not with the weapon, it is with sin. Not only do I have my Second Amendment American right to have a weapon, I also have the blessings of Jesus to protect myself, my loved ones, and my property. I didn’t make this up. It’s in the Bible, the 22nd chapter of Luke, verse 36. Look it up.

Mike Farmer
Hood River

What’s bigotry?

 Bigotry speaks in many different ways and under many guises. A recent letter supports this idea. Some believe all members of the Democratic party “will always want to eliminate (your) gun rights.” Also, that members of the Republican party, in order to protect themselves from the “stupidity (of the Democrats)” MUST ban together to protect their right to bear arms as the U.S.Constitution permits.

 It would appear you cannot be a true member of the Republican party if you are not also a gun-carrying, outspoken, proud member of the NRA? Many may not remember the act which was a major impetus for the Brady Bill. James Brady was a member of the Reagan cabinet who was shot while preventing the assassination of a U.S. president.

President Reagan was a Republican, so I expect Mr. Brady was as well. Despite their political affiliations, both President Reagan and Mr. Brady were key players in the establishment of the Brady Bill. I suspect these men chose public safety, common sense and intellect over emotion when deciding how to establish a bill which puts restrictions on gun purchases and ownership.

I wonder how many friends and relatives of James Brady are “gun haters” today? Using bigotry to pigeon-hole groups into ALWAYS and NEVER categories invalidates the freedom of choice of the groups in question. It certainly cannot hide the thinly-veiled vendetta against our current president and administration.

I continue to enjoy all readers’ opinions in the paper. I particularly enjoy the writings of those who stick to topic and use facts to strengthen their arguments. These facts allow all of us to expand our thought processes and step out of comfortable paradigms.

Steve Kaplan
Hood River

Good businesses

I would like to recognize three exceptional businesses in Hood River that set themselves apart from the others with exceptional customer service. Particularly in these trying economic times, customer service is key to a successful business. It seems a lot of businesses here in Hood River take my business, and the business of my peers for granted.

There are several stores that include a board shop, cafes and restaurants here in town that I simply refuse to patronize because of their blatant lack of effort in the customer service area. These businesses are missing out on a great deal of revenue from myself and others due to their complete ignorance of how to treat a paying customer.

 That said, the three businesses that really keep me coming back because it seems they actually care about service and my business are Silverado Jewelry (others should take lessons from this business on how to treat a customer), Brian’s Pourhouse (always a great dining experience), and DelCarpine Automotive (who sometimes make me feel like I am their only customer!).

 If you want your car fixed right without getting taken to the cleaners, DelCarpine is the place. Businesses take heed, our economy is dragging us all down, but it doesn’t have to take you out if you take good care of your customers.

Peter Talmage
Hood River

Hearing date

I am a little confused by Gennaro Avolio’s response to my airport letter on April 11.

He said that I should take my own advice and attend the hearing. When did I say I wasn’t going? Of course I will be at the hearing! I wouldn’t suggest others go and not attend myself! I never suggested that the Port had plans to “extend” the runway, but now that you bring it up, why close Orchard Road if you are not going to extend the runways?

 I don’t remember in the last 30 years that I have lived here that a plane has run off the runway and over Orchard Road. In the couple of years you have been here, can you remember it?

 I agree with you that the citizens of Hood River should have an airport; that was never the question. We just don’t need a high-roller type airport. If you need to land larger planes, go to Dallesport! Enterprise Car Rental will be more than glad to pick you up!

Let us not cater to those with the big toys! Rather, let us focus on usage for the whole population of Hood River County.

Geoff Moore
Hood River

ANOTHER VOICE

By MICHAEL McELWEE
Executive Director. Port of Hood River

Wednesday evening, the Hood River County Planning Commission will consider the long-term plan for the Ken Jernstedt Airfield. Anyone with an interest in the airport is encouraged to attend the April 22 hearing, to learn more about future projects for the airport and to express their views. Here’s a perspective from the Port of Hood River.

Background – The airport has been owned and operated by the Port since 1976. It is home for about 100 local planes. On an operating basis, the airport just about breaks even with income from leases and aviation activity. While the airport serves as a visible base for fire and search & rescue operations, it is also a vital resource for pilot training, general education, aircraft maintenance and local jobs. Recently, it has become a nationally recognized focus for historic aircraft through the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum.

Oversight of the airport is by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA provides annual funding of approximately $150,000 for projects listed on a master plan’s main planning document, known as the Airport Layout Plan. The FAA approved the ALP in 2005. However, it has never been reviewed for possible adoption into Hood River County’s Transportation Systems Plan. Last year the Port Commission directed staff to seek County review to ensure that the FAA-approved plan is consistent with local transportation goals.

Future Plans – The ALP, developed through public input and recommendations from the Port’s Airport Advisory Committee, describes capital projects expected over the next 20 years. The most significant of these is shifting the runway 550 feet eastward to increase the safety setback from Tucker Road.

This shift would not lengthen the runway, and a runway extension is not part of this plan. Relocating the runway will not lead to bigger planes, significantly more aircraft landings or additional aviation noise. It would increase the safety setback from Tucker Road to reduce the possibility of aircraft/ground vehicle accidents.

Other projects in the ALP include relocating the parallel northern taxiway to provide greater distance from the runway, expanding the area for aircraft tiedowns and relocating the airport operations building to the north side of the airfield so it is adjacent to the taxiway. All of these projects would improve safety and increase the likelihood that the airport will remain functional and vital over the long term.

Key Issues – The most significant ALP issue is the proposed runway shift. Orchard Road would need to be vacated immediately east the airfield. Although this is not preferred, it is essential to enhance airfield safety. If it cannot occur, the current runway location would remain with increasing safety concerns on both Tucker Road and Orchard Road.

The ALP, if adopted by the county, removes the possibility of the airport obtaining an instrument rating, which is a challenge because of the area’s topography, and reduces FAA-imposed limitations on development surrounding the airport. An instrument approach would have land-use consequences up to two miles away from the airfield. The approach status would remain visual, which has always been in place at Ken Jernstedt Airfield.

Other issues include moving the existing taxiway a bit farther north, and, as mentioned above, relocating the airport operations building to the north side, a move which will decrease the number of aircraft that currently cross the active runway for fueling services on the airport’s south side.

Ken Jernstedt Airfield has a long legacy and is a vital part of this community. It provides obvious benefits for pilots and airport users. Others can recognize that the airport adds a measure of community richness, history, agricultural support and economic benefits that serve all of us. The airport is an important part of our transportation infrastructure and must be thoughtfully protected and planned to secure its future. The Port Commission believes the proposed master plan will do this.