On Jul 30, 10:37 pm, Jay Honeck wrote:
That was probably my ex-brother. He has lived in Oshkosh for the
past 20 years and hates the Pobereznys and the EAA. A real jerk.

Why would anyone hate EAA?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

What burned the butt of many tax payers in Winnebago County was that
when EAA was undergoing its expansion of the grounds as we now see
them was that farmers were forced to sell they're properties to make
room for vehicle parking. The county condemned their land taking away
their livelihood and ability to capitalize on EAA by collecting fees
to park on their land. EAA also locked the use of the county own land
from use by outsiders. At the time of this expansion they were
constructing a new fair grounds which gets used as infrequent as the
EAA grounds. Citizens were asking why both couldn't be accommodated on
the county properties around the airport. Why pay for two
developments?

Over the years EAA has let other organizations utilize the properties,
both theirs and county for events. Ducks Unlimited, Agriculture Trade
Show, and a couple others. It seemed every dollar was being spent on
EAA. Granted the return on the investment was good, but other large
organizations could also bring in a return on that same investment had
they also had access to those properties. A national RV club had
organized a national convention to be held on the grounds only to be
told at the last possible minute 'sorry you can't' so they took their
event south into Illinois along with their $$$.

Oshkosh has failed to keep scheduled airline service. Granted Appleton
is just 15 miles away and Green Bay 60. The small companies and Fox
Valley Technical School Aviation Program (on the field) that call
Oshkosh home don't justify the size and the scope of the services
provided at Wittman. EAA's AirVenture 2007 needs the space and
amenities but getting a major airframe manufacturer to setup
operations here would be a kick in the financial pants. Gulfstream has
a large finishing facility in Appleton. Oshkosh needs a similar
facility.

The news of further expansion is being better received because it will
occur on properties already under EAA and County control. If more
events could be held on the grounds, it would be a benefit for all
involved and create a steady flow of income spread over a longer
period of time. The peak of income during EAA is great for business,
but a few more large events would help even more. Who knows, maybe EAA
could use the monies raised by renting facilities, to offset their
expansion and operational expenses...now theres a thought.

And finally for some, the little town becomes a big city when all
these folks flood into the area. Some embrace it and enjoy it, others
are upset just because thats the way they are...cranky, narrow minded
and short sighted.

You have to live in a community to understand the issues that move the
people who live there. You only get to see and hear the surface of an
issue while you visit.