Pruett legislation may abolish airport authority
Georgia State Representative Jimmy Pruett is introducing local legislation into the Georgia General Assembly that will abolish the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority and to transfer all powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities and indebtedness to the Dodge County/Eastman Development Authority.
He is also introducing another piece of legislation that will change the membership and terms of the Dodge County/Eastman Development Authority members and to provide for the transfer of the all powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities and indebtedness of the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority to the Dodge County/Eastman Development Authority.
In 2012, Representative Pruett also introduced legislation to change both of the authorities. In that legislation, all members of the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority and the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority had to be reappointed. The legislation restructured how members to the two boards were to be appointed and by whom they were to be appointed.
Although the newspaper was not able to get in touch with all members of both authorities, we found that Representative Pruett had talked with a few of the members of both authorities about the upcoming legislation, but had not talked to most of the others about it.
If the legislation passes the legislature, it will then go on to the governor to be signed before it can become law.
In 2012, Representative Pruett also introduced legislation to change both of the authorities. In that legislation, all members of the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority and the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority had to be reappointed. The legislation restructured how members to the two boards were to be appointed and by whom they were to be appointed.
Although the newspaper was not able to get in touch with all members of both authorities, we found that Representative Pruett had talked with a few of the members of both authorities about the upcoming legislation, but had not talked to most of the others about it.
If the legislation passes the legislature, it will then go on to the governor to be signed before it can become law.
I would put good money on the fact that you will see and hear many people saying that all of this is about trying to kill a lawsuit. No, I do not accept that. I'm not going be distracted by the slight of hand that some individuals will try to display to protect their positions of power. History has showed us that changes to the makeup of these boards have indeed produced stronger entities. With this being so, I'm willing to roll the dice that after the dust is settled and reappointments are made we will once again have a stronger entity that will continue to exceed our expectations.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Citizens do not be fooled a second time. You do not have to take . . . and for other purposes (Notice of Intention to Introduce Local Legislation) . . . that is currently being served up by the elected official, which by the way works for you. Our officials are elected to serve us, not themselves.
What has DCEDA done to deserve more authority/responsibility?
Let’s become one voice to God, our Governor, and our Senator. I have made my call opposing this legislation and I hope you will too.
What are you smoking?
I don’t know Jimmy Pruett personally. The allegations that you are alleging against him may be all true, but you know what, the people that are looking to do business with Dodge County are not concerned with him. They are concerned with the fact that we are suing each other. They are concerned with the fact that the most recent board of an Authority feels it has no recourse other than a lawsuit to right the wrongs of its own previous board. Come on now, you must admit, to an outsider that seems a little like a rabid dog chasing its tale. I hope when the members of the current Airport Authority have served the citizens of Dodge County and decide to step away that they can sleep soundly and will not be fearful that the decisions that they have made might one day be lawsuit worthy. In Dodge County all we care about is being divisive. I voted for him for Sheriff. We don’t care if you don’t like this flag we are still going to fly it. I don’t like that flag and I’m not going to ignore it. FORGET the flag; I’m sorry I brought it up. What we must do is embrace a One County sentiment. We are who we are. It doesn’t matter who the Johnny Come lately is on a board. We succeed as a team and we fail as a county. Forget divisiveness. It is time for everyone to understand that the Dodge County News is not the gatekeeper to our County’s perception anymore. Doesn’t it feel great to see the news media outside of the County showing news that elevates us?
My friends, they don’t care about Jimmy Pruett. What they care about is when they want to call our county to discuss business there are a several calls that may need to be made. We ceremonially title Judy Madden as the County’s Economic Developer but relegate her role to a glorified Secretary that can only take messages and relay information back and forth. And PLEASE, get some new talking points. If one more person brings up again that Dodge County has an entire Industrial Complex and Spec building they could be pushing, I’m going to go down to SugarBerry’s and end my life by eating that delicious Blueberry desert they make until I explode.
For once we are doing a great job at something. As a county we are branding ourselves as an Aerospace industry friendly county. That is who we are and who we want to be. With that being so, I want Judy Madden as the County’s Economic Developer pushing that Aerospace park like Flash Foods does with their savings card every time I go in there. Now as much as we would like to lay triumphs exclusively at the feet of the Airport Authority, they do not have enough sugar in the cupboard to bake cakes alone. For those who may have missed my stylized point, the Airport Authority alone does not have the resources to put a comprehensive package together. It takes teamwork to make dreams like Aremac Heat Treating in Dodge County work. So as a citizen of Eastman and Dodge County let me say, thank you to everyone that was involved with increasing the Aerospace branding of Dodge County.
Jimmy Pruett seems to be putting the good of ALL people in this district first. Since we want to fight each other and ruffle our feathers when anyone comes into what we perceive is our yard, maybe we need a reminder that we are all in the same county. As I stated before, The Airport Authority alone does not have enough resources to bring and keep industry in this county. As to the point that JED made about the College, I think they wouldn’t be too upset that there would be one entity that could support their growth both on and off the Airport and Aerospace Park.
We have educated and raised our children to be dynamic and fruitful members of society. We are overjoyed when they return from graduating from college or move their lives back to Dodge County. But you see the issue is they are infected. They have been exposed to the things that Dodge County could be. We have built them up to be strong and opinionated. They know better so they push for us to do better. I understand that change is scary, but change is GOING to come. So if that means that the future leaders of Dodge County will have to fight this fight until some of these obstacles to change are called up to be with the Lord, so be it. We still have some youth and health on our side. This is my County, I don’t always like it but I love it. Now I’m sure I’m going to get the classic Dodge County response that I should leave if I don’t like it. Well I’m sorry Ma’am and I’m sorry sir, I decline your most gracious offer. If you see me around town or at a meeting feel free to give me an earful, at the end of the day we can always agree to disagree. But just know I’m infected with that bug and I’m going to spread it.
HB 635 will change the membership of the Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority, terms of office, and give them the powers, holdings, and debts of the Airport Authority. The Board will consist of 7 members. The Board will have to select officers again. The existing members on the board will stay on until December 31, 2013 with the exception of the two airport authority members. The County will appoint one person and our state representative in the house will appoint the other. Their terms will also expire on 12/31/2013. After 12/31/2013 everyone will need to be reappointed or replaced.
HB 636, plain and simple, abolishes the Airport Authority and transfers its powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities, and indebtedness to the Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority.
You can track the legislation on the state legislative web site.
Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, "Who sees us? Who will know?" Isaih 29:15. We see you now and we know now.
Amen
I did voice my opposition to the business proposal presented by Mr. Fordham. I did so because it appeared on the surface to be a conflict of interest for Mr. Fordham to work as both the Airport Manager as well as under contract for services. I believed, and this is on the record, that it appeared to be insider bidding and favoritism. After a lengthy discussion, it was clear that Mr. Fordham is already providing a number of services that the airport needs without compensation. In fact, he spends several hours per week beyond his standard duty day to ensure services are available. I suggested the authority place an ad in the newspaper to solicit bids for services that will serve to enhance our airport and better serve pilots and crew that use the airport. I also suggested the authority seek a legal opinion on Mr. Fordham’s proposal to provide services while simultaneously working as the airport manager. I urged the other members to ensure whatever we did would withstand public scrutiny. From my recollection, all members agreed with my concerns.
I would encourage anyone concerned with this topic or the airport to attend our monthly meetings. We would love to have you.
Thanks,
Steve Greer
Slander can be expensive!!!!
Faye Jessup
For starters, lets get that Spec building off the books. I don't care if we have to give it away. If it creates good paying jobs, its worth it. If we can't move it that way, maybe a Public/Private partnership might work. I hear people want glass recycling in the county and current processes don't require glass to be sorted, so there you go Dodge County Glass Co. Give me a penny for a couple of bottles, stockpile it over there in the Spec Building, and sell it to the people who want to buy it. I'm sure we have some wealthy individuals in the county that would take the county up on this deal. My point is do what you have to and what makes sense to get that building active.
The Airport Authority had the power of eminent domain. So if the merger happens, the Development Authority would now have that power. So lets hold these these old dilapidated houses and businesses to code and confiscate those that can't or won't bring them up to code. They are just sitting there going to waste, so do what you have to, to turn these community eyesores into assets for the authority.
I know I'm making this overly simplistic but it is not that tough. You guys just need to be willing to piss off everyone and not just the poor. I'm going to run for some office or seek an appointment on some Authority in Dodge County in my lifetime. Ha, I know I'm going to only get one term. Because I promise you this, I'm going to do what our children and grandchildren need and not we want.
Now Steve this part on is for my peers in the community. I'm not taking you to task here.
It will be interesting to see if better bids come in, what justification will be given for why Fordham is the better contractor. I say its is unfair that old Fordham get extra consideration for currently fulfilling the services since these services had never been bid out before. So we all need to load up and be present at the grand opening of these bids since they are suppose to be opened in public.
Steve, you still there young fella? I don't envy you sir. Your board is going to take a black eye if old Fordham is the winning bidder. But hold your shoulders high. This is a shiner that was a little more respectively earned. With you on the board sir. I feel a little safer that in the future this entire situation will be done in a way where there is no image of impropriety.
Thank you again sir and I hope someone is wise enough to keep you aboard the ship if old Jim Pruett is successful with what he is trying to do.
Jeff Fordham
Airport Manager
Heart of Georgia Regional Airport
478-374-4411
I would like to take you up on that offer to meet with you and hear more about our airport out there sometime. I must be honest I have tried not to research too much about you and the individuals on the Airport Authority. You realize when you get to know a person that they have acted in good faith and did what they thought was best. It seems that you character has been collateral damage in some of the arguments some people have made here.
Speaking only for myself, I hate that the lawsuit has painted a dark cloud over the bill to consolidate the authorities. I support it and when I get a chance to stop in, I will share my position more if you would like. Now I'm not going to say that I expect the leadership of the board to work in you favor as the Airport Manager right away, but I promise you if it doesn't, I will help do whatever I can to raise awareness and help get the obstacles to the airports success off that board. In Dodge County it seems that when we put someone on a board, we put them on for life.
I have read Mr. Greer's comments on how you have gone above and beyond your job duties in service of the airport. I would like to say thank you for that. I hope that the Airport Authority can handle this process of advertising and selecting a service provider transparently so that you can continue to provide those services without any hassles, if you are indeed the best fit.
It seems to me that them airport board boys are trying to make a point. They feel they need to sell of this here wetland to get the money to cover the airport's operating cost. Give them a cigar. They are doing perhaps what is in the best interest of the airport. Selling off an asset to cover liabilities.
The only problem is that might not be such a good thing for the county as Daniel spelled out on the tv box. What about Obama and his fed boys requirement for them wetlands? Now what? Is the county suppose to go buy the land back from whoever buys it up. Daniel and his crew did what they felt they had to protect the county just like them airport boys did what they felt they needed to to protect the airport.
Them airport boys are proving a powerful point. They feel that ain't no one going to care for that airport like they have. But it's going to back fire. Because this just shows that when too many hands are in the fire someone is going to get burned. I bet you old James Pruett will be headed straight to Nate Deal's office in the morning to show him why he needs to stop everything he is doing and put his Johnnie Hancock on them bills.
This post is copied from anon above...think about it!
"Doesn't the lawsuit have in question a debt of some 750K? Either the banks were wrong and must pay or the development authority will inherit a pretty significant debt. In addition to attorney fees. If this is true, why in the world does it make sense to dissolve the airport board and have the dev authority absorb so much debt? The only rational reason one can conclude is that someone very powerful wants the law suit dropped."
Even those of us who are trying to stay out of the Dodge Drama can see something is fishy. And now with the sale and stopping of the sale.. Y'all there is for sure another agenda. Look toward who would benefit the most if the sale as per the airport authority doesn't go through!
It’s time the truth be known. The ONLY reason for new legislation is to prevent depositions of old airport authority members who have a lot to hide.
I suggest that Milton, Publis (Faye Jessup?) and other anonymous posters here stop listening to Pruett and company and get the real truth. Start by visiting an Airport Authority Meeting and try not to SLEEP through them and listen to what these outstanding gentlemen have to say. Let’s clear the air here about the current board member Mr. Eddie Driggers that so many have grown to hate.
Eddie Driggers is the chairman that dedicates a large portion of his free time to HELP the airport and receives nothing for VOLUNTEERING. Unlike previous board members, he is not on any bank board and does not milk airport funds by having an airport credit card or have a phone paid for by the airport, i.e. He is not one of the “Good-Ole Boys”.
No, all those gentlemen on the airport board are not pilots. They are a diverse group with many different aptitudes. They are suited very well indeed to handle the duties of overseeing the airport. The Airport Authority is NOT here to handle Economic Development, Industry Retention, Infrastructure Development, and so on….. That is what The Eastman Development Authority is for…..It is not the airport authority’s fault that Judy Madden is inept at her job. Yes the airport is for Pilots that is why it is called an airport and not an industrial park. There is NO reason for the EDA to take over the airport other than to stop the lawsuit.
STOP the Lies
The Airport Authority has given Mr. Chad Dennis a Letter stating that it supports the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) research. This was in turn passed on to the FAA to possibly get Dodge County placed as a center for UAV research. Why don’t you ask the airport manager for a copy….I am sure he would be glad to give you one.
Again ….STOP the Lies
The Airport has multiple failures of equipment that affect Middle Georgia State College. To finance the repairs the board needs capital. For many months discussion has taken place about the land at the river the AIRPORT owns. According to the deed and documentation this tract of land has not been deemed wetland. This is a matter of public record. Dan McCranie and Durwood Graham both know this. In fact, I bet Durwood himself will probably bid on the land. Hmmm…..think what Durwood knows Dan McCranie doesn’t……I applaud the authority for not asking the county or city for the money for the repairs…..It would not have cost the taxpayers of Dodge County anything…..Now who will pay for repairs if this sale is not permitted?
STOP the Lies
The Airport Authority had the courage to have Mr. Mathew Hines arrested for the $80,000 grant money he absconded with. That money was paid back WITH INTEREST, thanks to Tim Vaughn. The money was put back into the bank which now totals around $100,000. No, the money was never spent for a lawsuit or to pay any bills. It is still there. Still drawing Interest. Now you might ask why the banks didn’t pursue recovery of the million or so they loaned to Mr. Hines……..Hmmm. I guess we will never know since the lawsuit will be dropped as soon as Butch Kirkley, John Jessup and the rest of the EDA vote to dismiss the suit.
STOP the Lies.
I'm not critical of the Airport Authority. Like someone has mentioned they did what they felt they had to do to ensure the Airport can pay its bills. Likewise the Dodge County Commissioners are looking out for Dodge's best interest. "I" just want the fighting to stop. So if that takes a merger "I" support it. Ultimately, it is in the hands of Governor Deal now. If he doesn't sign off on those bills, "I" will still be crying out for the fighting to stop and for collaboration.
You might want to change your writing style and stop CAPITALIZING what you feel are important words. Changing your name to Bob, Anonymous, Anon and everything else you have used is not fooling anyone. I was at that City Meeting when you acted like a hooligan yelling for someone to come outside like you were about to fight them at recess. Maybe your bullying tactics will work on the other people you called out but you do not scare me and will not intimidate me from saying whatever I want here or anywhere else.
If there was ever a time it now the time to engage in the Dodge Drama. Take back the city and county. Get involved before trouble, troubles you. Our elected officials work for us but seem to be working pretty hard for themselves and one another! All it takes is a few good men and women.
Make your life more interesting and become more informed by stopping by the office of Rhett Walker, Clerk of Superior Court of Dodge County and picking up some interesting reading. Ask him for civil action file 12V-6597 filed Oct 30, 2012. Guess who is being sued for $3.7 million?
While you are there and in the interest of saving some gas, also ask Rhett for civil action file 12V-6512 filed Aug. 6, 2012. This one is a lesser amount, only $1.2 million but is actually far more interesting reading.
Get up and go see for yourself. You wouldn’t believe me if I tried to tell you. A hint, there is a common denominator and the common denominator has a very familiar name and that person is always lecturing folks about how we should never file suit on one another. The funnier part is who is filing the suit on this person. Maybe these two folks could get together and rehearse a little more before they lecture us anymore.
While you are there, stop by the county tax collectors/commissioners office and ask about this persons county property taxes from 2003-2012(parcel #048016A).Then ease over to city hall and ask about this persons city taxes.
When you get these public documents, think about it thoroughly, and share them with your friends and neighbors since they are public knowledge. Get yourself informed and you may want to go a different direction next election time. This is not picking on anyone except those that fail to pay their obligations while they mooch off of the public.
"A total release permitting the sale and disposal of real property acquired for
airport purposes under the Surplus Property Act shall not be granted unless it can be clearly
shown that the disposal of such property will benefit civil aviation. If any such property is no longer needed to support an airport purpose or activity directly (including the generation of revenue for the airport), the property may be released for sale or disposal upon a demonstration that such disposal will produce an equal or greater benefit (to the airport or another public airport) than the continued retention of the land."
Furthermore, the section goes on to say "The airport owner requesting a release of surplus airport land must identify and support the reason for which the release is requested. One justification of a release could be a showing that the expected net proceeds from the sale of the property at its current market value will be required to finance items of airport development and improvement where that need has been confirmed with FAA concurrence."
Regardless, from my understanding, the river land was NOT acquired through an FAA grant. Even if it were, the proceeds from the sale of the river land were earmarked for airport improvement, and I'm certain the FAA would concur with repair of the Instrument Landing System glideslope as an area of improvement.
So, @MGSC, who's the dumb as#%#s now? You'd benefit from doing a little research before posing as an aviation / airport operations expert before resorting to name calling. By the way, I seriously doubt you're with MGSC (as your user name implies). Perhaps you'd benefit from taking an Airport Management class offered by the school. You might learn something about airports.
Please stop commenting on things you have no idea about. You are not a pilot as per your comment. I as a pilot think it is a great idea for Jeff to have pilot training at the airport. You do not know the difference between Jeff's training and the school's training. Jeff's is for a person who wants to learn to fly or further thier flight training without a degree. The school's program is for a person who wants to be a professional pilot and earn a degree. Therefore no conflict with the school and Jeff's training. I am not a student or will not be one of Jeff's but to continue the growth of the airport its an excellent idea. You have never been to other airports where this service is offered. Please do not comment untruth comments if you have no idea what you are talking about.Thanks and have a great day :)
But I digress. It does my heart all the good to know that I am considered such an authority on all things in Dodge County. I now realize the great power that I hold in my hands. My statements must be corrected and retracted more than any other individual that makes a comment.
Moving forward I will ensure that I clearly declare when I am offering my opinion or speculation on a matter so that my legions of fans and supporters are not miss informed. Thank you sir for taking me to task on this matter.
I ain't pointing fingers I am just bringing up the past. If someone has a different version of the story tell it and lets put it all together to find out what really happened. We have so many actors in this miniseries that I feel like I am watching one of Ma's soap operas. You can never keep up with what is going on in one of them blasted things.
I agree with you wholeheartedly Fedupx2. It is a travesty how confounded things are around here. Until things get to be more transparent across the board we need to keep piling up in these board meetings taking notes and holding them accountable.
I've been in the aviation industry for a very, very long time. Never in the course of my involvement with municipal airports have I seen legislation *mandating* Airport Authority members to also be members of the City Council / EDA / etc. In Dodge County, there's a systemic lack of communication between these groups, and it seems Mr. Pruett made an attempt to encourage communication by virtue of codifying this in legislation last year.
As a matter of fact, at other airports I was involved with (out-of-state), I would ALWAYS see the Chair of the Economic Development Authority attend monthly Airport Authority meetings. Conversely, Airport Authority members ALWAYS attended County Commission meetings as well as EDA meetings. They had one common goal--promotion and expansion of economic development and the airport.
Some people don't seem to understand the basic principle of any viable municipal airport. By virtue of robust airport operations, due to the ripple effect, there *will be* economic development in the community. It's basic economics. Some people have turned the airport in Eastman into an "us versus them" issue, and that proves to be nothing more than a detriment for everyone involved.
Well said my friend, I couldn't agree more. It seems that everyone most likely has the common goal to promote economic development, but certain people want all the credit for any expansion / growth that may come. If it's not working together (and it's obviously not) it's time to rebuild and restructure the system and try something different. However, I don't even think it's necessarily the setup; I think it's mainly 2 or 3 greedy and selfish individuals that want to be hard-headed and don't want to work together as a team.
My papi use to tell me that "Power exists only to the point at which it is accepted and to be weary of your perceived power because the nature of relationships defined by power change over time." Because of this a man should never rely on his position, expertise, or ability to reward and punish to maintain his power. My papi believed that a man's character gives him his strongest power.
When I look at the power shakeup that is transpiring in Dodge County I am overjoyed. I just hope that in the ensuing power vacuum the individuals with high character retain their power.