Somerset Story Brings Other Airport Threats To Light

E-I-C Note: Our recent story about the plight of Somerset Airport not only received a lot of attention, but brought to light other stories of airport difficulties, such as the one about Medford, OK, published below...

A Letter From Medford OK's Mike Newman To ANN

It seems interesting that you run an article about a airport trying to be forced closed right now because I'm going through the same thing right now. I am the airport manager of a City owned airport (O53) and the airport commission is trying to shut down the field.

The following is a copy of my e-mail I have sent to AOPA's Airport Support Network and waiting for a response from them.

Hello,

I am the airport manager at Medford Muni Airport (O53) and I have recently was made aware of the fact that out airport commission has held a private meeting without inviting me (I'm a current member of the commission) to eliminate the FBO contract and close down the airport. The airport commission consist of local farmers that own land surrounding the airport and have been protesting the runway extension project that I have been trying to get, along with the golf course that is adjacent to the airport. I cannot believe that the City manager has went along with the airport commission recommendations. I have received no support from the commission in any of the airport improvement projects that I have proposed and has continually protested my presence here as airport manager. This airport has accepted many Federal grants and I need your help to put some sense back into the City! Please call me at 580-741-1033 for further details and actions.

Thanks!

Mike Newman, Airport Manager (O53)
Medford, OK 73759

FMI: www.airnav.com/airport/O53