Question on Santa Monica Airport
(from Friends of Sunset Park questionnaire):

 7.  What steps would you take to speed up implementation of the Aircraft Conformance Program, in order to stop large jets from using S.M. Airport?

First, continue City Staff work with the FAA to approve the Program as sent to them on September 8th.  Second, support on all levels Congressmember Waxman’s RSA determination request.

 8. Would you support a study of S.M. Airport's environmental impact on the community -- residents, school children, property owners?

I support such study being undertaken, but I believe the Federal Government (through the E.P.A.) is the responsible agency to do it -- because there should be a connection between the gathering of such data and the ability to do something about it.

I am encouraged that the A.Q.M.D. will conduct its own study.  As a state of California-mandated agency, they will have more standing with the Federal government than would simply Santa Monica.

 9. What is your commitment to the residents of Santa Monica who are impacted by noise, air pollution, safety, and security issues caused by S.M. Airport?

We need to do everything within our power to limit and decrease the negative environmental impacts of the Airport on our residents.  At times we need to also test the limits of our power to do so – like we are with the Airport Conformance Program.

 10. When there is a conflict between a) protecting residents from the environmental impacts of the airport and b) supporting aviation interests, what do you feel the role of the City of Santa Monica should be?

I believe safety and environmental issues for surrounding issues are paramount and should be a starting point for any discussion of the airport.

I also believe Santa Monica can protect its residents from unreasonable negative impacts from the airport, while still allowing SMO to still be a quality-service venue – if Santa Monica is allowed the jurisdiction to regulate the airport in a manner necessary to achieve this.

The Airport Conformance Program and the increased fine schedule adopted after the passage of Prop.  MM are steps in the right direction.  But we need to be able to do more.

 11. When the 1984 Agreement expires in 2015, what do you propose for the future use of the S.M. Airport property?

Of course there would be an extensive public process to determine whether we’d want to close the airport – and if we were successful, what we would do there.

But for now, personally I envision open space, athletic fields, community gardens, urban forest, spaces dedicated to generating solar energy, innovative housing, and community/cultural venues.

I would increase the number of shuttles to the area to minimize traffic and help turn it into more of a nature area.

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