Montclair councilman voices concerns over ONT battle
Councilman Bill Ruh has refrained from voting on a resolution to support Ontario in its efforts to regain control of L.A./Ontario International Airport.
Ruh said he abstained because he wanted details in the measure on how the interests of Montclair would be protected.
Ruh's concerns did not stop the council from approving the item last week.
"It's hard for me, at this level, to support something when we don't have enough information," Ruh said.
Ruh said he would be in favor of the resolution if it included certain stipulations, such as offering Montclair the opportunity to be a part of any new joint-powers agreement.
State Senate GOP leader Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga, introduced a bill in February that would transfer control of the airport from the city of Los Angeles to a regional airport authority.
"We need to be part of that process," Ruh said.
Councilman John Dutrey said the resolution's aim was to show support for Ontario.
"This airport is vital to the Inland Empire," Dutrey said. "I think the city of Ontario has more of a stake, more of an interest and more motivation that the airport does well. In comparison, the city of Los Angeles, they have other needs and other priorities."
Los Angeles World Airports operates ONT.
Montclair officials said they would have a better chance to have their input and opinions considered if they were dealing with a local entity rather than with Los Angeles, Councilman Leonard Paulitz said.
"I ... appreciate their support, but it's not going to make or break our negotiations," Ontario Councilman Alan Wapner said.
Ontario officials have been pushing for more than a year to regain control of the ailing airport. The decline in air service from 2007 to 2009 at ONT has led to a $400 million blow to the Inland Empire's economy and the loss of more than 8,000 jobs, according to a report released in September by Ontario.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's representatives have said the city was not interested in selling the airport.
Ontario officials have recently been in discussions to have Los Angeles transfer control of ONT to a new operator.
An Ontario proposal that was sent six months ago to LAWA would create a regional authority to operate the airport. The plan also suggests that a third-party operator manage the authority.
Ontario officials have expressed dismay with the operations at ONT, including higher costs for airlines.
Ruh contends the added expense is not because LAWA is "picking on" ONT, but can be attributed to bonds taken out to improve the airport's terminals.
The building of two new terminals at ONT cost $275 million, and some of the money was financed with bonds and a loan. A $123 million bond was issued for ONT, and about $80 million remains to be paid, LAWA officials said.
Wapner said he disagreed with Ruh because the bonds are being paid through fees charged by Los Angeles International Airport and are not part of the discussions.
LAWA released a report conducted by Jacobs Consultancy in 2010 that found that a reduction in airline passengers has led to the increased costs for airlines doing business at ONT.
A report released by Ontario in September found that the large number of employees and a 15 percent administrative fee also impact costs at ONT.
Ontario officials had not approached their counterparts in Montclair for any help, City Manager Ed Starr said.
Montclair Councilman Bill Ruh has refrained from voting on a resolution to support the city of Ontario in its efforts to regain control of L.A./Ontario International Airport.
Information Ruh wanted:
-- Additional details on any new or proposed joint powers of agreements.
-- Understand why some operating costs at ONT were considered to be too expensive.
-- The value of ONT.
-- Possible impacts to Montclair of flight path pattern changes.
About this blog
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| Liset Márquez has covered the city of Ontario for the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin since 2008. She started the OntarioNow blog in August 2008. To contact Liset, leave a comment on this blog or send an e-mail to Liset Marquez |
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