Politics & Government

Airport Protesters To Commuters: You're Ruining Our Summer

Quiet Skies Coalition: Elected officials must value what we value.

The following was written by Kathleen Cunningham of the Quiet Skies Coalition.

Dear Members,

Many thanks to those of you who joined us at our demonstration at East Hampton airport on Friday evening.

Find out what's happening in East Hamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We had some reassuring conversations with local pilots of small aircraft, who understood our concerns and were supportive, which was very  encouraging progress.

We also had some really rude behavior by passengers, whose responses to our signs asking for respect for our communities were to stick their tongues out at us as they passed. And, worse.

Find out what's happening in East Hamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Somehow this demonstration in particular helped to underscore the issue we face with aircraft noise in our community: local pilots, respectful of our concerns will support us as we support them. Meanwhile the careless ultra-rich, who are the real problem, and for whom our concerns don't even register, exhibit aggressive behavior (sticking out their tongues, for instance) to resist the notion that their transportation choices make a negative impact on our environment. Basically, ruining our summers. 

Those people, and the politicians who cater to them, are the real problem. 

We took a stand, and will continue to do so. We must be certain that in this election year our representatives in government understand and value this important quality of life issue. 

Our elected officials must value what we value!

  • the peaceful enjoyment of our homes and properties
  • remediation of our diminishing property values and the negative impact on community character this aircraft noise creates
  • the essential stability of a clean air and healthy natural environment, unspoiled by poisonous jet fuel emissions and noise impacts

Our lives are completely dependent upon that understanding. 

We have more work to do and will be calling on you to help. 

It's now or never.

Really.

Best, 

Kathleen Cunningham

Chairperson, QSC


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here