Jay Honeck wrote:

Depression and despair rule the roost tonight in Iowa City.
snip
We are soooo screwed.

I just came home from listening to Phil Boyer speak at the Hobby Hilton
in Houston, TX. This was my first Pilot's Town Hall meeting with him and
it came across as a positive experience. At least now I can say I've
heard him in person and I can say that I believe there is an effective
machine within the AOPA

I cant say that I agree 100% with AOPA on all the party-line issues, but
they do a fair job of representing or advocating for GA (versus big tin)
interests and I would say that I agree with the majority of what they
advocate for, and have no problem with my membership fees supporting
their advocacy.

While a cynic could conclude the session was rightfully a "pat myself on
the back" session, Boyer gave some insight to the recent victory that
saved Albert Whitted Field in St Petersberg (TAMPA), Florida.

Boyer talked about finding the voting bloc that made the difference, and
targeting them HARD. Rather than paying for broadcast network TV ($$$),
they send direct mail, they played radio and cable commercials on the
targeted demographic (in this case, older women who liked their
waterfront free of any new condo development) and on the day of the
election there was a landslide victory in favor of the airport (65-75%
for, depending on the ballot item)

To back up what someone else said.. FORM AN INTEREST ORGANIZATION. Get
it chartered now. At Whitted, they had TWO separate interest groups in
support of the airport that AOPA was able to ally with. Play the
historical end of it.. Your airport has been there 75 years. Play the
angle that the airport commission's sole duty and goal is to protect
that history while promoting growth in their town.

And if you cant find the existing ASN guy... say so. Tell AOPA we dont
know who he is, he doesnt show up and that you have a replacement who is
willing to take a proactive stance with regards to the position.

Good Luck Jay.
Dave