“We have a decision to make. Either we are going to be a region, or we are not. I believe that we must be a region. And if we choose not to be, we are choosing to enter a period of decline, because declining markets get declining investment, and we understand that capital goes where it is needed and stays where it is well cared for.”
These were the words of Mayor Kasim Reed during his second inaugural speech on Jan. 8, 2014 — just weeks before he received heavy criticism for not realizing we are a region, joined by roadways and lifestyles, during a major weather event. His leadership was needed regardless of city limits or county lines.
The mayor’s vision of a regional approach suffered yet another setback — by his own hand — when, on June 13, the city of Atlanta threatened to sue Paulding County if it did not cease efforts to obtain certification to start commercial airline operations at Silver Comet Field.
Most people aren’t aware that Atlanta owns more than 10,000 acres in Paulding, purchased in the 1970s specifically for a second commercial airport.
In 2007, Paulding County purchased 163 acres of that land for the development of the airport — a purchase that was sited, approved and funded by the Federal Aviation Administration. Current development of Silver Comet Field includes the pursuit of companies in the aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul industry, limited commercial air service and potentially even aeronautical research.
With its June 13 letter, the city of Atlanta ended months of silence on the issue. Why?
Could it be that Atlanta has jumped into the fray because Delta, and its legions of lawyers, haven’t been able to destroy Paulding’s little opportunity?
After several court decisions now in our favor, Atlanta steps onto the field threatening legal action.
Perhaps Atlanta and Delta will tirelessly pursue any opportunity to prevent consumer choice and economic growth regardless of its flagrant hypocrisy.
Have you ever noticed how expensive airline tickets are when little to no competing airlines exist at a certain airport?
In the same inaugural speech, Mayor Reed stated that only 50 percent of Georgia Tech graduates, who are “disproportionately high earners, and create an ecosystem that attracts foreign and domestic direct investment and capital,” stay in metro Atlanta after graduation. He also said 75 percent of Atlanta’s science and technology graduates should remain local to enhance our reputation as a technology hub competing against other metropolitan areas around the world.
Georgia Tech’s Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering is consistently ranked one of the top five programs in the country. One would think Mayor Reed would be in favor of the development of the metro Atlanta aeronautic industry, even in Paulding County, to help him meet his goal of 75 percent.
Frankly, I am disappointed Mayor Reed has resorted to threatening legal action against regional economic development. I would expect the mayor of any city, especially a top 10 market like Atlanta, to back up his talk with actions that support a free market.
When Mayor Reed spoke to the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, he said “Atlanta is not the enemy,” but surrounding states are. His recent letter seems more like a declaration of war than the supportive role of an ally.
In Paulding, we are looking at smart development that enhances our quality of life by providing quality jobs for our residents. We simply want a “level playing field” to develop economic opportunities to benefit everyone, without outside governments — or corporations — trying to hold us back.
David Austin is chairman of the Paulding County Commission.
