Didi Barrett Weighs In

Yesterday, October 10, our representative in the New York State Assembly, Didi Barrett, sent the following letter on the topic of the proposed expansion of the safety zone at the Columbia County airport to Board of Supervisors chair Pat Grattan, with copies to all the supervisors, Ken Flood, and New York State comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

Dear Mr. Grattan,

I have been following with much interest the plans for the proposed Columbia County Airport safety zone expansion. While I appreciate your recent effort to inform the public about this project, it is clear that many questions remain unanswered. I have heard from a number of constituents who have been seeking answers for some time regarding the need and the economics of this project

In an effort to demonstrate full transparency, I respectfully request that further county actions to expand the airport be suspended until such time as the public may be presented with information relative to the need of this project.

Given the uncertain financial times each level of government is currently faced with, I'm sure you agree that it is unwise to proceed with an expenditure of this magnitude until basic questions are answered and all options have been considered in the public arena. Once this project has been fully vetted then all parties can come to an informed and responsible decision about whether or not to move forward.

I look forward to partnering with the Board of Supervisors on this and other issues important to Columbia County residents.

Sincerely,

Didi Barrett

Member of Assembly, 106th District

The night before this letter was sent, the Board of Supervisors voted down Art Bassin's resolution to table temporarily eminent domain proceedings to acquire the land needed to expand the safety zone. The vote split along party lines, with Republicans voting against the resolution and Democrats voting for it. Bassin is a Democrat; Barrett is also a Democrat.