Medevac debacle borders on the ridiculous

1/15/06

The Courier News says it can sympathize with Bob Holtaway's frustration. I hope it can also understand mine.

I am a resident of Bridgewater who has to watch Bedminster make decision after decision that affects my life -- my property values, my family's safety and my quality of life -- without recourse. Now Mayor Holtaway has called my neighbors and I "terrorists." Not only that, he has defended his remarks, saying they were appropriate.

By not publicly saying anything, the government of Bedminster has given its tacit approval to this irresponsible behavior. Shame on all of you. I can't imagine your residents are proud of the way their elected officials have been behaving -- I can't imagine that your residents are enjoying the nasty reputation that their beautiful town is now acquiring. An apology is required, Mr. Holtaway -- step up and show some class.

The flier in question, which apparently was the excuse Mr. Holtaway used to whip himself up into such a frenzy, is here on my desk. I would be happy to provide anyone who asks with a copy. Nowhere in it does it state that those who oppose the airport expansion should threaten, or actually perform, acts of terrorism or violence or, well, anything for that matter.

It states: "Come to the Bedminster Re-organization Meeting and make YOUR voice heard ... before it's too late! Only public outcry can make a difference NOW!"

This is America, folks -- we are obligated to make our voices heard when we feel our rights are at stake. Having read that, would you think that bomb-sniffing dogs were required? Calling in the Somerset County Bomb Squad, in and of itself, is inflammatory -- not to mention wasteful. Who exactly paid for those dogs to come in and sweep for imaginary bombs? Mr. Holtaway has admitted that there were no bomb threats. It was a waste of time and money and, quite frankly, ridiculous.

I have no desire to get in the midst of Mr. Holtaway and Mr. Joerger's playground fight. I sincerely hope that reason and good judgment carry the day. Last night's Planning Board meeting was a good start -- salient points were made by all, and a reasonable decision was reached.

I will continue to oppose the airport's misuse. Please realize that I have every respect and admiration for those who fly the medevac helicopters and save lives. But, by charter, they are supposed to be based at a hospital, so why are they in Bedminster? And why are 7 out of every 10 missions for nonmedical emergencies -- general police business, Homeland Security and even public relations?

Ironically, with the Planning Board meeting at hand, and reporters and media in the area, there were very few flights the last few days. Wouldn't you know it -- there were at least 12 over my house during the day on Friday, the day after the meeting. If these flights are so imperative, why is it that they can suddenly be stopped when it's convenient?

If you don't think that this affects you because you don't live right near the airport, think again. It will affect the property values of Bridgewater, Bedminster and Branchburg, and when your tax rates go up, blame Mayor Holtaway, the Bedminster town government and Dan Walker.

Liz Pollard
Bridgewater