Pro-NIMBY Politician Calls Cease-And-Desist Order A Waste Of Taxpayer Money

At least one southern California congressman is siding with Santa Monica city officials against aviation businesses in its efforts to evict two FBOs on the way to closing KSMO.

Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-CA) (pictured) issued a statement after the FAA issued an interim cease and desist order to the City of Santa Monica. The order prevents the City from evicting American Flyers, Inc. and Atlantic Aviation FBO, Inc. from Santa Monica Airport. In September, Santa Monica issued Notices to Vacate to these two tenants.

“I am outraged the FAA continues to waste taxpayer dollars fighting with the residents of Santa Monica over the use of the City’s land. The people of Santa Monica have made clear their concerns with the airport and local elected officials have taken appropriate actions to protect the wishes and health of their citizens.”

“The FAA's cease and desist order is just the latest in a long line of unfair and heavy-handed actions the FAA has taken against the City over the airport. It is absurd the federal government is now mandating that a local government use specific private sector companies. The FAA is a public trust, not a shill for corporations.”

“Under federal law, cities may choose to use their own government to provide services. The FAA should rescind its overreaching and potentially unlawful order and instead work with the local community to better understand its needs.”

Even NIMBYs have their advocates (misguided, though they may be) , we guess... 

(Image from file)

FMI: http://lieu.house.gov