Thu, Dec 29, 2011
Retirement Of County Employee Spurs Debate Over Options
In 2012, the southernmost airport in the United States will be
losing its manager to retirement. Reggie Paros is a county employee
who's been managing the Marathon Airport in the Florida Keys. As
the city plans for his replacement, a debate is brewing over the
idea of hiring outside management for the facility.
Monroe County Mayor David Rice wonders whether the airport,
which is in the black financially but not by much, could benefit
from the more aggressive management a private-sector partner might
bring. He tells KeysNet.com, "We might be able to get a more
efficient operation...they would benefit financially from the
success of the airport."
Marathon Vice Mayor Dick Ramsay says he's skeptical, but
open-minded. He explains, "I'm not at all sure that everyone at the
city is comfortable with it, but we haven't even talked about it at
the level of our commission. It remains to be seen whether that
option is pursued."
The airport's official website notes that the airport "...boasts
a $9 million terminal complete with ample parking, a passenger
lounge, car rental agencies, taxi stands and shuttle buses. The
airport is located at the mid-point of the Keys, which means
nothing is farther away than a 1-1/2 hour drive. And of course,
visitors can reach Marathon's accommodations, attractions, cultural
venues, fishing fleets and dive-snorkel boats in minutes."
But one big thing Marathon does not have is regularly scheduled
commercial airline service. Its 5,000' runway 7/25 sees only a few
FedEx flights and general aviation activity.
Ramsey tells KeysNet.com he'd like to explore an airshow as one
possible revenue-producing idea.
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