Western North Carolina experienced another successful episode of activism checking government. A few months ago, three members of the Asheville Regional Airport Authority received an “Aloha!” reception from taxpayers who didn’t like them vacationing at a Hawaii conference at their expense. Feeling the heat before they came back, board members started sending press releases about all the things they were accomplishing. A fourth member, recognized for his expertise in aviation, had planned to go at his own expense, but canceled when he found three other members were going to enjoy the sunshine and waves. Friday, the board passed restrictions on reimbursement for members’ conference attendance.
All is not well, though. At the same meeting, the board “gave” $60,000 to American Airlines and $40,000 to AirTran as preferential incentives toward marginalizing other carriers. In 2008, the airport received $3 million in grants. That was before ARRA. The airport has since improved the technology of its bag searches and enhanced its art exhibits, partially thanks to your proverbial grandchildren.
