Survey Question 1 — “The Orcas Island airport is not up-to-date with current FAA safety standards. Do you want the port commissioners to make long-range plans to keep the airport in compliance? — Yes/No”
The commissioners have two choices. Either they make their plans comply, or they do not. Either path has consequences. The question is not, “Do you want the airport to be safe?” It is assumed that the typical person would want safety for themselves and others.
The intent of our question matches what it asks. Do you want the commissioners to make their long-term plans such that they will be in compliance with the FAA requirements? If they do not, then they can continue to operate the airport as is, but may not receive any FAA money for repairs, maintenance, or improvements and might need to return some of the money they have already received in the past. If they do, then they will continue to be eligible for FAA money for repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Both options are viable and legitimate. Both options affect our community, so both options are being considered by the decision-makers. Therefore, our intent is to help the community have another way of communicating regarding the choices being considered.