Duluth's City Council may be way out in left field on this issue and with no one willing to step up to the plate, it certainly suggests a continuing dry season for citizen members of the budget weary Duluth Airport Authority.
This is a prelude to the new framework of the City Council, one stacked with union-orientated members. This is not to be considered bad, but it also suggests a careful review of the Duluth City Charter and the responsibilities of the various city authorities and commissions that support our strong mayor form of government. Without this citizen input and direction, our current system of city government is strongly flawed, and certainly that is not in the best interests of our community.
For years on end, the Afterburner Restaurant and Lounge has had difficulty making ends meet. Many operators have tried and failed to turn a profit and, thus, the citizens of Duluth have been the real losers. Not too long ago, in desperation, the Authority picked up the broken pieces, hoping to at least maintain the restaurant and lounge operation that is certainly an essential part of the various services offered at all major airport terminals.
Too often, when government gets involved in anything, management responsibilities coupled with leadership inertia fog up the bottom line and thus, profit efforts get intermixed with political maneuvering and self-serving interests. Perhaps that statement is a little strong and may seem unfair, but the record speaks for itself, and the record is not as positive as it could be.
We have always marveled at the potential of this facility. The dining area faces Runway 9-27, providing an excellent view of incoming and outgoing commercial, military and private aircraft. Incidentally, we have been told that runway is the longest one in Minnesota, which means Duluth can handle any type of aircraft safely and efficiently.
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It is a thrill to watch these many activities, and now with Cirrus production facilities just down the runway a spell, there is always something new going on to whet our interests while visiting Duluth International Airport. When the annual Air Expo attracts tens of thousands of people every year, it is surely evident that people are interested in the great potential and excitement rendered at the Duluth International Airport. So what's the big deal here?
I suggest the local union has a responsibility to all the citizens of Duluth and simply, with a wave of a wand, should not block, by political arm twisting, a decision to breathe new life into a facility that desperately needs some help and management skill. Further, I suggest the Duluth City Council, by a vote of 6 to 3 last Monday, is not looking at the big picture by denying a license transfer to Pedro & Kerv Inc., private operators who want to run the lounge.
The thing is, the Afterburner Restaurant and Lounge lost $50,000 last year, a small portion of other losses in recent years. Union arm-twisting is not the answer, making things work is, and then through the proper channels, the union can seek a contract.
Duluth doesn't need this continual battle to survive. Surely our elected City Council members should know this without hesitation. Let's get real here.
Dick Palmer is the former editor and publisher of the Budgeteer News. He may be reached by telephone at 729-6470 or by
e-mail at rpalmer@duluth.com .
