Facebook Message Reveals Frustration With Part Of Obama Administration's Debate Message

The former CEO of Cessna, Jack Pelton, one of GA's most outspoken advocates, has let the Mayor of Wichita, Carl Brewer, know that he is not happy with the anti-aviation message the Obama administration keeps repeating... In a Facebook posting, he sent a message expressing just that. 

Mr. Mayor...

While I appreciated the support of your party by attending the DNC, and it was very visible on TV back here in Wichita, we need your help. Within 30 minutes into the debates tonight the President made the comment that people who own business jets should pay more taxes. I do not want to engage in a tax debate.

But, this statement is simply ill informed as to who operate business jets and more important damming to the great people who work on the production lines here in Wichita Kansas. Our business jet industry continues to be at an all time low in the this business climate and lack of any recovery continues to plague local manufactures. You know business jets are not an excess, but a business tool. What just infuriates me is the lack of understanding of the positive impact to our economy by our industry.

Equally infuriating is the what appears to be general disregard for the highly skilled men and women here in Wichita, The Air Capital, that every day break their backs to build the best products offered in the world, bar none. We cannot afford to have our industry held out as an example of excess. The facts simply do not support this. Our industry supports companies ability to grow and create jobs. I continue to urge the President to walk the factory floor of any of our aerospace companies and look into the eyes of the best workforce in the world who believe they are making a difference.

Yes, I am passionate about the importance of ensuring the FACTS about our industry is understood. And the FACTS reflect we are an important positive contributor to the economy. We cannot continue to be reflected by the President as an industry that is "bad". If this is the theme for the campaign you can guarantee Wichita will suffer beyond what we have seen to date. It is more important than ever that we get the President to set the record straight.

I have been to the White House twice on this issue. The good news is, as a result, Secretary LaHood visited Wichita and walked away understanding the FACTS. Listening tonight, I obviously feel we have gone backwards. Mr. Mayor, you have supported our industry but now is the time to move your party in understanding the FACTS. Our future depends on it.

Jack Pelton, Retired CEO, Cessna

FMI: www.wichita.gov/Government/CityCouncil/Mayor/