INDEPENDENCE – Jonathon
Walter, the Independence Airport Manager and Fixed Base Operator (FBO)
advised the entire City Council Monday night of his reasons for
tendering his resignation after only a little over a year in the
positions.
“My decision to leave stems from many issues
pertaining to the City’s lack of development at the airport,” Walter
stated. “This has caused the airport to lose potential profits … it has
impacted the ability to grow my business or to bring in any new business
to the airport. This direct lack of interest in producing anything
positive for the community, especially the airport, has marginalized my
position as Manager and my ability to curtailed such apathy. As Airport
Manager I’ve been rendered all but useless. My advice has been
overlooked or dismissed, and instead I have been micro-managed to such
an extent that any efforts on my part to better the airport for the City
have been destroyed before any progress could be made.”
Walter said his decision was not made rashly and he hopes to keep his business locally.
“Excluding
any new proposals or alternate considerations to my contract offered by
the City,” Walter said, “I would ask the Council for a motion to accept
my request for a mutual 30-day resignation.”
After Walter’s
statement, Mayor Carl Scharff allowed three airport patrons and Walter
supporters to speak. The three, Lee Bowden, John Bagge and Jeff
Rottinghaus, had registered to speak during the Public Forum, but
requested their time be used during the discussion of the Airport
Manager’s petition.
Bowden, a local pilot, educator, lecturer and promoter of aviation, reviewed Walter’s qualifications, aircraft and business.
“He
has consistently had over 20 students, including students from Ontario,
Canada,” Bowden said. “Lately the University of Dubuque students have
been coming over here for instruction from Jonathan because they have
learned of his superior ability and knowledge regarding flying.”
Bowden
also discussed Walter’s banner towing business and how Walter worked
with federal authorities in developing the procedures and the rules
regarding banner towing. Bowden also spoke about Walter Aviation being
the only banner towing service in the state of Iowa and also about
Walter’s aerobatic flying certifications.
Bowden ended he his
remarks by praising Walter’s attention to maintenance of the grounds and
runway, and for the implementation of the summer-long bi-weekly
cook-outs where the public was invited to visit and learn more about the
airport.
The next speaker was local farmer John Bagge. He
started out questioning why Walter’s pay and benefit package was not at
the level of other Department Managers’ pay. Bagge praised Walter’s
conduct, saying it very professional. Bagge told how he had taken flying
lessons 20 years ago and wanted a few refresher courses without
starting at square one. Bagge said Walter would not allow it because of
regulations.
“Jon said ‘No, you will do it by the book’,” said
Bagge. “It might offend you a little bit at first, but I learned quickly
that you do it by the book or you die … Jon does not cut corners.”
Bagge also brought up the fact that there is a waiting list for hangar space.
“You
can’t grow if you put people on a waiting list,” said Bagge. “They’ll
go to another airport … I see [the airport] as a very good asset for the
community.”
Last to speak was Rottinghaus from La Porte City. He
is also a pilot, stating he was trained by former FBO Jim Connell. He
runs his crop dusting business out of the Independence airport. He said
his customers often ask why doesn’t operate out of an airport closer to
his fields.
“I choose not to, because I like the atmosphere and
the services at the Independence airport,” Rottinghaus said. “Jonathan
has done a wonderful job managing it.”
Rottinghaus referred to a
newspaper article about Iowa’s “Brian Drain” of young people and asked
the Council to try to keep Walter here.
“He brings so much to your community in the form of aviation,” Rottinghaus said.
After
the speakers the Council decided to not act on Walter’s resignation,
but to set time for a closed session during the next Council meeting on
Monday, Oct. 28 to discuss Walter’s contract.
Source: http://www.communitynewspapergroup.com
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