LOCAL VOICES

Commercial operations at Briscoe make sense. It would create more jobs, more economic growth and greater choice of travel. In addition, there is no question that this would be good for Gwinnett.

Hollis Harris,
Former President, Delta Air Lines

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I am passionate about privatizing Briscoe Field with the hope that commercial flights would someday fly out of it. I am a private pilot and a former Eastern Airlines mechanic. I have been a Gwinnett County Employee for almost 22 years. I have not had a pay raise in three years. My benefits are shrinking and the many part time security jobs that the police use to enjoy have just about dried up. The fact that we have had no pay raises and then when you factor in the increasing inflation and the higher cost of healthcare, gasoline and everything else, this is causing many of us to have a hard time just making ends meet.

I believe this airport could turn everything around in Gwinnett County. I just flew up to Bishop International Airport in Flint Michigan (where the movie "Roger and Me" was filmed) and when I questioned locals about their airport that was upgraded about ten years ago, the positive response was overwhelming! They have a beautiful airport that brings millions into their local economy. The problem we have here is the 300 hysterical Lawrenceville residents that attend the airport meetings and shout out ridiculous things like anybody living in the area of the airport will develop Cancer from jet fuel or that children will get lower school grades because of the lead.

I would like someday get another pay raise. The county complains how they are 30 million dollars short on a billion dollar annual budget and families like mine suffer. Hartsfield-Jackson is Atlanta's cash cow and they are very protective of it. We are only about 40 miles from the world’s busiest airport and I have no doubt that a second commercial airport would be a huge success. Keep fighting for the privatization of Briscoe Brett and thanks again.

Mr. Tracy Lee Loganville (In the flight path)

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I am all for a fiscally responsible way to make Biscoe Field profitable. It is in the best interest of the citizens of Gwinnett and Georgia. Look at the studies on feasibility of commercialization. This airport may produce hundreds if not thousands of jobs. We have nothing to lose through research and everything to gain. Maybe Briscoe should be privatized or maybe not, let's make an intelligent informed decision and not rush to judgment in opposition.

Alice O'Lenick
Dacula resident and co-owner of Siltech & Surfatech in Lawrenceville

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As a small business owner in the consulting business, which entails frequent travels, having a commercial airport access in Gwinnett County would not only make the logistics of my business easier, it will definitely improve my quality of life.

Further, having access to a commercial airport in Gwinnett County would only be a positive in terms of increase in job creation and as a boost to local economic activities for Gwinnett County citizens and businesses. I am of the opinion that it makes good economic sense for Gwinnett County to have a commercial airport, especially in today's highly competitive business environment. We need to increase economic activities and to boost job creation. In addition, this would increase the probability of businesses wanting to relocate to Gwinnett County or have a branch in Gwinnett County, which will only be a huge benefit to the local economy.

Emmanuel Ogidigben,
Gwinnett resident, CISSP, CISM, CRISC

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I was not in support of privatizing Briscoe Field or adding commercial service until I did my own research and realized that it is a win / win proposition for Gwinnett County and its residents. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the positive economic growth it will produce, the jobs that will be created and the convenience it will afford our county, and I think that you will agree that it is a project worth pursuing...

Debbie Whelchel,
Suwanee resident and co-owner of Ardie Construction Group

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I want to express my strong unwavering support for revitalizing Briscoe Field. I believe it will create thousands of jobs both on-site and peripherally. Visit any regional airport and notice the activity coming and going just to support the facility. This will create jobs and ease of travel -- a win-win situation. This will also improve our local economy from vendors to landscapers to home builders. The marvelous part is this can all be done with no taxpayer expense.

Paul V. Kelley
Snellville Resident and Owner of Shamrock Landscaping Services, Inc.

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Privatizing Briscoe Field is a no-brainer. The revenue such a move would bring would a huge catalyst for growth in the county, and I'm sure the positive aspects would greatly outweigh the bad, contrary to what some people are saying.

Hal Williams,
Suwanee Resident

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The privatization of Briscoe Field is an important step in sustaining economic development in Metro Atlanta - I firmly believe it will only serve to supplement Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.

Tim Da-IL Hur,
Lawrenceville Resident and local business owner

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I support the effort to bring limited commercial traffic to Briscoe Field. The only other option for bringing back the economy in Gwinnett is for the builders and developers to begin building more office parks and shopping centers. This kind of development isn't needed has left the "older" parts of the county with empty big boxes and office complexes. Briscoe Field privatization would provide the county with an economic engine that doesn't involve paving over every remaining green space, as has been the practice in Gwinnett over the past 30 years.

BJ VanGundy,
Gwinnett Resident and local business owner

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I believe the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners has a fiduciary responsibility to maximize the value in disposing of any non-core assets, such as Briscoe, along with considering what is in the best interest of the majority of the citizens of the County. That will only be possible by including the commercialization possibility when considering the question of privatizing Briscoe Field.

Patrick Malone,
Former Gwinnett Resident

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A lot of people in my neighborhood have lost their jobs and may lose their homes. If Briscoe was developed it could help a lot of people.

Mike Seigle,
Norcross Resident

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I've lived in Gwinnett my whole life. My family has been in business here for generations. Nobody is more committed or concerned with Gwinnett than I am. There is no doubt in my mind that we need to privatize and get commercial service at Gwinnett's airport. We need the jobs and revenue it will bring. There is no downside that could possibly outweigh the benefits of a revitalized airport with passenger service that doesn't cost the taxpayers a penny.

Robbie Harbin,
Snellville Resident and Owner of Robert Vitorre Fine Clothing

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I would love to see flights in and out of there (Briscoe). I almost live within the Flight Pattern, just up 124.

George Monaghan,
Lawrenceville Resident

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We need this process to become the top priority and become a done deal NOW!!! Let's ROLLLLLLLL!

Jerry Shackelford,
Lawrenceville Resident

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Having worked in the aviation industry for the past 26 years, I am intimately familiar with the enormous impact that this industry has on the economy at every level, to include local, state, and national. I have been engaged in various businesses at Briscoe since 1991, I have seen it grow to be a shining asset for the county. However the economic downturn of the recent past has taken a very severe toll on our industry. It will take bold and decisive actions to recover from this mess we find ourselves in.

I firmly believe that the County Commissioners are on the right track with the privatization, and scheduled service option at Briscoe. It will provide much needed opportunities to generate new revenue streams, while reducing constraints on the counties' budget. It will provide jobs, and spur economic growth in the private sector. It will attract dollars from the surrounding counties. No other project would compare to the impact that this project will have. This is too important to our future as a leading community in the region, to allow a few in the opposition to stop even the discussions. Let's explore the options, gather the facts, and make some informed decisions.

Steve Lemelin,
Dacula Resident, and owner of Kamber Aviation, LLC.

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I've flown in and out of Daytona numerous times.....Sure would be great to have a small non-crowded airport like that!!!

Wayne Briscoe,
Snellville Resident

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Briscoe needs to PRIVATIZE !!

Ron Jacomen ,
Lawrenceville Resident

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Let it happen, I am tired of driving through Atlanta

James R Russum,
Snellville Resident

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I am ALL FOR privatizing the airfield and moving towards commercial flights. Atlanta is the largest population center in the US served by a single airport. We need another, and Gwinnett needs to be its home.

Minton O'Neal,
Snellville Resident

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I am for saving money and less pollution by not having to drive 35 miles to the airport.

Stephen Reaves,
Snellville Resident

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For all the folks who worry about noise: Props are louder than the new generation hi bipass fan regional jets. I'd take them any day over loud props and I live near bye. Grow Gwinnett economy!!!

Doug Helms,
Gwinnett County Resident

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I fly planes in and out of Briscoe almost daily, and I live in the downwind traffic pattern. I think privatizing would greatly improve the airport and generate a lot of revenue and jobs within the County.

Erik Burns,
Gwinnett County Resident

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Now is the time to pursue this more than ever. Take advantage of the investors, and create jobs and boost up the economy. Most countries would do anything to have this opportunity!

Simona Steelman,
Lawrenceville Resident

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Privatizing Briscoe Field is an important step for Gwinnett's successful future. Globalization is already evolving around us...we dare not miss this opportunity!"

Gay Wiley Shook,
Norcross Resident

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Yes please put Georgia to work we need Jobs.

Rick Lindsey,
Gwinnett County Resident

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I support the privatization of Briscoe Field for two primary reasons. First, I personally, would love to have easier access to "Local" or "Regional" flights. Second, I believe, for Gwinnett County and the neighboring counties to be positioned for future growth, it is imperative to have a regional airport in Gwinnett.”

Gary Kart,
President, Kart's Landscape Services, 2 Time Winner of the Gwinnett Chamber Pinnacle Award

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To the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners,

This county has an opportunity to take a step in providing jobs, business health, and transportation relief with the approval of privatizing and commercializing our underserviced airport, Briscoe Field. Please take a close look at this opportunity rather than letting the vocal nay-saying by locals drown out this chance to improve our lot.

Privatization without commercialization will only lead to the financial failure that many of those naysayers predict, since it has little chance to provide the monetary base that upgrading the facilities will require.

The ability to get flights out of this area without starting the journey a minimum of three or four hours prior to departure from Hartsfield would add to the quality of life in the area. The noise levels projected by the naysayers is greatly misleading and will be less than the inconvenience suffered now by the long freight trains that pass through that same corridor.

Please do the right thing and approve both privatization and commercialization of Briscoe and set this county in motion for prosperity.

Sincerely,

Bill Blackwell
3361 Walkers Ridge Rd., Dacula, GA 30019

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As a Gwinnett County resident who travels full-time, I believe that having convenient access to air transportation is absolutely vital to continued business development and growth in this area. I have lived in Gwinnett for nearly 20 years and seen much of its economic development firsthand, but I fear future growth may be significantly impeded by a lack of adequate transportation infrastructure, especially airport access. The privatization of Briscoe Field will not only provide an avenue to meet this long-term transportation need, but will also create the potential for increased tax revenue in the short-term, all at no cost to taxpayers.”

David Cline,
Suwanee resident

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Privatization of the airport is good for Gwinnett County and good for the entire region. Privatization of the airport will provide for more jobs, and will position Gwinnett County as an attractive place for businesses to relocate to.... and also help to regentrify the entire area around Briscoe Field. This will provide an outstanding economic impact to all of Gwinnett County.

Mitch Ambler,
Lawrenceville resident

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As someone who flew in and out of HPN (Westchester County, NY) airport for 4 years, I can say it is a huge benefit to have a small airport in the area. HPN is surrounded by large private homes, a private school and an elderly care home. The HPN airport has restrictions in place on flight times, flight paths and take-off assent levels to minimize noise impact to the area. I invite those who oppose the privatization and commercial service out of Briscoe Field, to book a flight to HPN and actually see that airport and learn more of the facts, before making a decision. Having an airport in Gwinnett, similar to HPN, would provide many benefits for Gwinnett County citizens.

Randal M Winfield
President, Broker, Winfield Realty Group, Inc.
Voted Best of Gwinnett 2010, 2009, 2008 & 2005 by Gwinnett Magazine, Lawrenceville, GA