No straw vote on runway expansion
BY KRISTI REED
After weighing feedback from citizens, the Barrow County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday night against doing a summer straw vote regarding the extension of the runway at the Northeast Georgia Regional Airport.
The Barrow BOC had considered asking voters during the July primary if they would support a runway extension for “safety and enhanced economic opportunities, as long as the airport or airport facilities are not utilized for cargo distribution and/or commercial passenger service.”
BOC chairman Doug Garrison said the feedback he had received indicated that the straw vote was not the right thing to do.
Mike Foran told the board during Tuesday night’s meeting the vote would be a waste of time and money. Foran asked the BOC to either withdraw the vote, or make it binding.
“Regardless of the outcome of this straw vote, this county will be divided like never before,” he said.
Before voting on the proposed ballot question, BOC members restated their positions regarding the proposed runway extension.
District 5 commissioner Billy Parks said there is no need for an extension at this time, but that he would support it in the future for the purpose of economic development. Parks also opposed the straw vote, saying there was no benefit to it.
Bill Brown, District 2 commissioner, also opposed the straw vote, saying the BOC and citizens had already reached common ground.
“This whole thing has been built up into a furor,” he said. Brown said no vote was needed since the runway extension was not going to happen. He reiterated that there is no hidden agenda among board members.”
District 4 commissioner Isaiah Berry agreed with Parks and Brown. Berry said teamwork and communication between the BOC and citizens is important.
“We are trying to be more open to the public and let the people understand what it is we want to do,”” he said.
District 3 Commissioner Bill Healan, a vocal opponent of the proposed runway extension, maintained that there is indeed a plan by the county to extend the runway. Healan said his research indicated that a plan has been in existence for years, referencing a 2005 letter written by Garrison which mentioned expanding the airport. Healan also said the 3,500 ft.’ buffer around the airport was created for the sole purpose of supporting a 7,000 ft.’ runway.
Ben Hendrix, District 6, said that while he was in favor of safety, he opposed any runway expansion. Hendrix also opposed the straw vote, saying it should be a binding vote.
District 1 commissioner Jerry Lampp said he hoped everyone could move forward and do what is best for Barrow County.
“I love my county; I want to do the very best I can for my county,”” he said.
In other business, the board:
* Approved the appointment of Stacy Reed to the Leisure Service Board.
* Approved the appointment of Meredith Cameron to the Joint Development Authority.
* Awarded a contract for $257,000 to R.J. Haynie and Associates for the road and signal project at the intersection of SR 81 and Carl Bethlehem Road.
* Approved the expenditure of $14,000 to repair the Trane Reciprocating Chiller at the county courthouse. Linc Mechanicals LLC will perform the work.
