Tue, Jul 12, 2011
Ten Mayors From Seven States Respond To President's Comments
About GA
Mayors from cities in seven different states across the
country have sent a letter to President Obama voicing their
disappointment with recent comments regarding general aviation and
potential, additional tax burdens on businesses, individuals and
groups that rely on this crucial form of transportation. In a news
conference Monday, the President again referred to "egregious (tax)
loopholes that are benefiting corporate jet owners or oil companies
at a time where they're making billions of dollars of profits." The
local officials joined a growing group of businesses and
organizations that have highlighted the negative repercussions of
the President's comments on an industry which represents an
important part of the economy.
In the letter, the Mayors said they were writing to express
"deep concern" regarding the President's recent comments about
general aviation, which "not only mischaracterized these aircraft
and their crucial importance for our economy, but suggested an
increased tax burden for general aviation operators." The mayor's
said that general aviation is a "vital part of our economy and
national infrastructure, and we are extremely concerned about the
repercussions of your statements on an already struggling
industry.
"General aviation is an economic engine for our national
economy, supporting 1.2 million America jobs, over $150 billion in
economic impact annually. These aircraft and the
airports they utilize are a literal lifeline to thousands of
communities across our nation, providing access to business growth,
law enforcement, disaster relief, medical care and other services.
They are utilized to train young pilots, reunite veterans back from
overseas with their families, help to transport blood and organs to
residents in rural communities, and help our companies to reach
customers in markets that otherwise could not be reached.
"As you know, the vast majority of businesses and organizations
that own and utilize general aviation are not wealthy CEOs.
Rather, they are small to mid-sized businesses and organizations
that rely on these aircraft to reach far-off plants and customers,
serve rural markets without access to commercial aviation, or
deliver medical care and other services. We can tell you firsthand
that these aircraft are a crucial tool and resource for businesses
in our communities; businesses that keep our communities afloat and
help workers to be able to continue to put food on their table for
their families.
"At such a vulnerable time for our economy, we need to be doing
everything we can to support this vital industry. We stand
ready to work with you and Members of Congress on this and all
issues related to communities and local economies around the
nation."
The letter is signed by:
- Wichita, KS, Mayor Carl Brewer
- Stuttgart, AR, Mayor Mary Ann Maynard
- Ankeny, IA, Mayor Steve Van Oort
- Fort Dodge, IA, Mayor Matt Bemrich
- Le Mars, IA, Mayor Dick Kirchoff
- Easton, MD, Mayor Robert C. Willey
- Huron, SD, Mayor Dave McGirr
- Wall, SD, Mayor Dave Hahn
- Arlington, WA, Mayor Margaret Larson
- Chelan, WA, Mayor Bob Goedde
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