Print edition: 
Regarding "Too quick to close road" (Sept. 2 Eagle editorial): While I understand The Eagle editorial board has a right to state an opinion, I want to be sure the facts are clear.
The editorial suggested that by voting to close part of 71st Street South to allow Cook Airfield to extend a runway, the Sedgwick County Commission overlooked "the real issues involved, including how the closure will affect drivers, emergency response and Derby's long-term growth." I respectfully disagree.
My fellow commissioners and I looked at this situation carefully and thoughtfully. Speaking just for myself, I weighed both sides of the issue and did what I believe is best for my constituents in District 5 and the residents of Sedgwick County. I made a decision that I believe will support Derby's long-term growth, not hinder it.
The editorial neglected to point out that this issue was well-researched and passed by a majority of the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, in addition to the County Commission. Both held a long day of public hearing on the issue.
The effects of the road closure on traffic flow, the ability to respond to emergencies, and inconvenience were researched at length through the public-hearing process. Planners and commissioners drove the road and listened at the hearing to testimony from neighbors about the conditions and tragedies this road has experienced. The planning commission is quite qualified to make an informed judgment, as were the commissioners.
I have been open in my support of the vision of airport owners Greg Thomas and Steve Logue and their role in the future of air travel and our local aviation industry. I believe that growth in quality jobs in our aircraft industry is crucial to Sedgwick County's long-term success.
I think the vote by me and two other commissioners was a sign that we want to see job growth and expansion of our local aviation industry. We want to support residential development that will contribute to quality of life in our area. And, by the way, the growth and development these gentlemen have accomplished and are envisioning costs the county nothing except for a black-topped mile of road that would have been done anyway.
Finally, I want to take exception to the implication by The Eagle editorial board that my decisions were influenced by campaign contributions from the Cook Airfield owners. It's an insult to my long record of public service to suggest that I was paid off by special-interest groups.
I was transparent about their contributions by including them in my campaign finance report. I could have asked them to delay a contribution until after that report was due, but I didn't want to hide anything. The gentlemen agreed with my opinion and chose to contribute to my campaign. I did what I thought was right by making this contribution public.
I wish that the city of Derby did not feel compelled to file suit over this matter, but I understand its position. I wish the airport owners hadn't called for a boycott of Derby businesses, because many of them are participants at Cook Airfield. I believe the airport owners are in the process of making this right.
I believe in creating quality jobs and supporting private development that can help keep a tight rein on tax increases. I also believe, after hearings and examining all the pros and cons, that the positives of closing 71st Street South to allow for a runway far outweigh the negatives.
