"We didn't do it with the intent of creating mistrust. I don't think anyone anticipated the reaction would be quite so strong." -- Roger Perry, chairman of the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees
I don't know if Orange County needs a new airport. I do know we made a difference in how much people knew about it as the story played out these past months.
A few weeks ago I wrote a column saying 2008 was a very bad year and that I hoped we would be here in 2009. Our work is important, I said. Today's announcement by Chancellor Holden Thorp that UNC was dropping plans for a new airport authority followed months of work by the staff of the News & Observer and Chapel Hill News to learn how the airport story had gotten this far.
We reported how UNC wrote the early language that became the basis for the airport bill. (Read here.)
We reported how local elected leaders felt blindsided as the bill moved through the General Assembly. (Read here and here.)
We requested public records and reported how local businessmen helped pay for an economic report that was later used as a reason, among others, to pursue a new airport once Horace Williams closed. (Read here.)
We interviewed Chancellor Thorp on the need for a new airport and printed his responses unedited. (Read here.)
We went to White Cross and spoke to the people who would be affected by an airport going there. (Read here.)
Today's announcement would have happened regardless of local newspaper coverage. The university was not prepared for the hundreds of people who attended meetings, signed petitions, wrote letters to the editor and staked signs in their yards.
But we did provide information most of those people didn't have. The papers and this blog became a forum for discussion, pro and con, on the need for a new airport. We informed perspectives. We made a difference.
Comments
An interesting letter...
Mon, 01/12/2009 - 17:35 — ZippoBelow is an excerpt of a letter from "The Friends of Horace Williams" (aka AOPA) that was sent out last June. It shows the lengths they're willing to go to keep the airport where it is....
From: Chris Hudson
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 6:16 PM
Hello again to Horace Williams supporters:
FLASH UPDATE: Discussion/rumors have flown for months that the University will build a new UNC Law School complex at the Chapel Hill airport (IGX) - it is now an official plan and it would sit ON the approach end of 27. They plan to seek funding for this project in the current short legislative session. TIME TO CONTACT OUR HOUSE AND SENATE MEMBERS and outline why there's no reason to destroy a perfectly good (incredibly convenient to all and historic to boot) airport when the University has another 800 acres readily available for the new campus."
(For the full text of the letter go to: http://groups.google.com/group/eaa309/browse_thread/thread/31bffcf7f033c93a)
We support the closing of IGX
Mon, 01/12/2009 - 17:06 — TBlakeJust in case there is a question,; Orange County does not need an airport at all. It is a terrific waste of taxpayer money and a conveniance that has outlived it's usefulness. Enough is enough
The 2005 T&B study ranked RDU *above* IGX as a resource for AHEC. People who care should begin the letter writng campaing right now for the state to release the funds for the new AHEC terminal at RDU. Constuction should begin immediately there after.
We've only just begun...
Mon, 01/12/2009 - 16:05 — ClaudiusPlease don't stop your investigation of this subject. In reality, I think the real battle between Chancellor Thorp and general aviation airport advocates like Bill Faison, Jim Heavner, Roger Perry and others has only just begun.
Already, they're beginning to lay the groundwork for an expansion of the Horace Williams airport and the construction of Carolina North around it -- a very frightening prospect.
Absolutely - the journalism was key
Fri, 01/09/2009 - 22:27 — marcoplosThanks to Mark Schultz and others who contributed to the body of knowledge about the airport.
I've known Mark in his role as a newsman & editor for almost twenty years now and this was as laudable an effort as I've ever seen. It was information that made a difference. And that's what it's all about.
I'll never forget it. This was an example of the power and value of good journalism.
Yes Mark,
Fri, 01/09/2009 - 21:17 — TBlakeThank you.
The fourth estate is alive and well.
I for one do not underestimate the impact you had. Our efforts would not have been nearly as successful if not for you. We need to fix our outdated zoning ordinances to keep this nonsense from reoccurring for the fourth time. Please keep your spotlight on the planning board and efforts to fix our zoning.
One more request; please don't let the people forget about what peoples roles in this episode were come election time.
GREAT JOB, GUYS
Fri, 01/09/2009 - 21:09 — ClaudiusMany thanks and congratulations to the CHN team -- they did one heckuva job getting to the real issue on this topic. This is what local reporting is all about - without their dlligence, I have little doubt that a lot of the truth behind the issue never would have come out.
You guys got MY vote for a Pulitzer!