(NOTE: The thoughts expressed in the following are mine as a Hampton private citizen and taxpayer and should not be construed as reflecting the opinion or position of the Hampton City Council or City of Hampton.)
I am deeply concerned by the seemingly cavalier attitude expressed by Sandy Wanner, interim executive director of the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. Given the $4.5 million loan guarantee to People Express that is the subject of the present controversy, as well as the State audit that revealed the lack of oversight by the individuals who comprised the Peninsula Airport Commission at that time, it is totally unacceptable to be quoted as saying, “I don’t have any concern (about the fees). I am not dismayed by the payments we are making for the value we are receiving.”
The perceived attitude of, “Why should I be concerned about how much and how this money is spent, after all, it’s not my money?” is the primary reason many taxpayers believe elected officials and government employees live in an alternate universe.
Newport News Councilwoman and airport commission member Sharon Scott is correct in asking for a delineation of the activities for which the commission was billed. Moreover, she deserves the full support of the other commission members in her pursuit of transparency and accountability.
After all, it was the absence of transparency and accountability that brought us to this point.
Donnie R. Tuck
Hampton
Original article ➤ http://www.dailypress.com/opinion/letters
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