Burlington Free Press, May 20:
Talking it out on proposed air show in Burlington
This week's public forum about an air show proposed for the Burlington waterfront in 2013 showed how engaged residents deal with a controversial issue. When reasonable people disagree, they sit down and talk it out.
Mayor Bob Kiss called for the forum based on the experience of the 2006 air show -- Wings Over Vermont. The event drew thousands to the waterfront, but also led to 200 complaints to city. The mayor promised the public would have its say before another such event was held.
The 2006 show Vermont marked the 60th anniversary of the Vermont Air National Guard, and the Vermont National Guard Foundation hopes to raise $75,000 for the Vermont Children's Hospital with the 2013 event.
Emotions run high when it comes to the air show, in large part because of the participation of military aircraft. As expected, people aired a wide range of opinions at the forum hosted by the city Parks and Recreation Commission.
Some see the air show as a grand patriotic spectacle, a way to honor those who serve in the military in defense of freedom and an opportunity for a family outing. Events such as the air show can provide an economic stimulus and draw attention to the region as a tourist destination, publicity that can pay off for years.
Others see the show as a glorification of war that is out of character with the city, a wasteful use of tax dollars and an assault on the environment that could hurt the Burlington brand. Then there are those who simply object to the noise -- during the show and in the days leading up to it as the jets practice over Lake Champlain.
There's little overlap between the for and against views, but in many ways they are different sides of the same coin.
You can be against the war in Afghanistan or Iraq, and still honor those who serve. People tolerate some loud events and not others -- fireworks, concerts at the Champlain Valley Exposition or jets over the lake -- take your pick.
Mayor Kiss, who will make the final call on the event, told the people who showed up for the forum that he will make a decision only after the Parks and Recreation Commission has thoroughly considered the issues involved. In addition to Tuesday's forum, Parks and Recreation is accepting opinions online.
Regardless of the mayor's decision about the air show, a lot of people are sure to be unhappy. But Kiss is taking a path that gives everyone an opportunity to have his or her say, and that's the way reasonable people deal with disagreements.
If the air show draws thousands to the waterfront, if it's good for the local economy, if it honors folks who have served in the military and if it raises money for the Vermont Children's Hospital, why not let the show go on?
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Information from: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/
Connecticut Post, May 20:
Too much legislating
Critics who say the state Legislature wastes its time trying to legislate common sense, this one's for you.
The House of Representatives last week approved a bill that would force online dating services with customers in Connecticut to provide notices about protecting personal safety. Such websites would need to include disclaimers including: "There is no substitute for acting with caution when communicating with any stranger who wants to meet you."
Good advice? Absolutely. Something that ought to require the state to step in? Not a chance.
People take all sorts of actions that could bring undesirable outcomes. They can't always be protected from themselves. Will we next mandate that people look both ways before they cross the street?
Republican opponents are right that some issues, like this one, fall under the category of common sense and should not require legislative action.
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Information from: http://ctpost.com/
