EAA Attendance Much to do About Nothing
September 1, 2002
Tony:
I'm going to try to defend, in
your words, the indefensible.
I read your note in the "Seaver: I'll take Costa Rica" letter regarding
no one responding to the EAA attendance numbers, and I would like to briefly
respond.
Although I'm not the spokesperson for the EAA, (although I'd like to be) I'll
be happy to give my two cents worth. I'm not going to necessarily defend the
attendance number, however, I'll just say that I think this is much to do about
nothing.
| I think any rational person would say that the EAA is an asset to the community, even if you don't like the airplane "noise," traffic, or a longer wait at a restaurant. |
I personally don't care if the EAA reported that five (5) people attended AirVenture,
or 5,000,000 people attended AirVenture. The actual count is the EAA's business,
and not mine or anyone else's, and quite frankly, attendance numbers really
don't mean much to the community, it's the financial impact that means something.
Do we question how many trucks roll of the assembly line at Oshkosh Truck? Do
we question how many engines Mercury Marine produces each year? Do we question
how many items 4imprint produces each year? Of course not. All of the aforementioned
companies employ many people in the community, pay large amounts of property
taxes, and like the EAA are known worldwide as leaders in their respective businesses.
We are lucky, and should be grateful to have these businesses in our community.
Because of these companies, Oshkosh is known worldwide.
I think any rational person would say that the EAA is an asset to the community,
even if you don't like the airplane "noise," traffic, or a longer
wait at a restaurant.
Thank you for allowing me to reply, and though I'm sure you don't agree with
my opinion, I still respect your opinion.
Sincerely,
Paul
Esslinger