CRAMA November 2006 Update

When three guys got together in April of 2005 to take on the issue of Memorial Airfield none of us thought we would still be at it! But we are. And progress is being made too.

At the latest CRAMA Steering Committee meeting the decision was made to establish a more formal structure. The Committee designated two of its founding members, Erik Mikkelsen and Paul Rost as Co-Chairs. The other members of the Steering Committee include: Bob Deken, treasurer ; Bernie Lee, petition drive leader; Ted Fanning, congressional liaison; Charlie Hunter research, strategic development and state legislative liaison and Bill Gates, publicity. We have now also registered the CRAMA name with the Arizona Secretary of State.

Since our GRIC neighbors still have not announced any decision, CRAMA will continue our efforts focusing our petition drive. The 7751 petitions we already have opened a lot of doors and enhanced awareness of the issue among prominent political personae. So it's very important that you, our supporters, "talk" Memorial Airfield, send people to our website www.users.qwest.net/~rostp and urge them to SIGN THE CRAMA PETITION !

As you are aware the GRIC has reversed its stand on the freeway project. Hopefully, with the number of concerned residents, politicians as well as state and federal entities they will also reconsider the Memorial Airfield project. CRAMA, as well as all of our supporters, we are sure, support the economic development aspirations of the Gila River community. We have so stated clearly, but we question whether development of another airport makes any economic sense. It appears that the post-election discord between the new GRIC Governor and the Council is being resolved and that important decision may be slowly forthcoming.

So far our requests to meet with the Council have not been responded to. We have now appealed to Gov. Janet Napolitano and as a result will be meeting with Victor Mendez the Director of AZ DOT, who agreed to try to facilitate a meeting with GRIC.

As we told you, we have also contacted Mayor Dunn and the Chandler City Council, making them aware of our concerns. Subsequently, we were invited to give a presentation to one of the Council members and with his assistance are now in touch with the Mayor's office to set up a meeting with him. After all, Chandler Municipal Airport's expansion plans would be impacted by conflicting airspace issues should Memorial Airfield be reactivated.

So, while the year is coming to an end, CRAMA's mission is not. We want to thank the many individuals who have helped CRAMA become a voice that is heard by decision-makers. But our work is far from done. Your continued involvement is critical to our success. Therefore, bring up the issue whenever you socialize with others. We shall gladly provide fliers and petitions or give brief update presentations. Just ask!

Also, while petition signing in some communities exceeds 50%, in others it's less. Best results are achieved where the HOA Boards permit us to address homeowner meetings, post posters on bulletin boards, set up Petition Stations or get publicity in community publications. So, speak up residents ! Urge your Boards to open up and allow CRAMA to reach every homeowner! They need information to make a decision on how best to protect their home value and quality of life. Remember, together we can move mountains!