Airport issues can be resolved

There may be only one thing that the parties involved in recent squabbling at Portland Municipal Airport can agree upon.

And that's the need for two separate contracts between the city and its airport manager and between the city and its fixed base operator.

Currently, there's a single contract, making things blurry at best.

Dave Miller is contracted to be the airport manager, and Miller Aviation is the fixed base operator.

But where does Miller's role as an individual managing the airport end and his role as the head of Miller Aviation begin?

How do you clearly spell out the relationship between a publicly-owned entity like the airport and a business that benefits from the airport's existence?

How do you separate the legitimate interests of the two entities?

We think it can be done, and we think a pair of clearly written contracts could clear up the confusion.

That's what the Federal Aviation Administration recommends.

The FAA also says there's no problem with a single individual or business entity signing both contracts.

Miller has also said he has no problem with having two separate contracts and would like to continue as airport manager while also having Miller Aviation continue as the fixed base operator.

That, from our vantage point, would be the optimum situation.

Dave Miller has done an excellent job, and Miller Aviation has been an outstanding corporate citizen.

With some clarity to the paperwork, there's no reason that should not continue. - J.R.

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