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Editorial: Air Boats and the Golden Rule
February 2nd, 2004

Editorial: A Year of Opportunity
January 24th, 2004

Editorial: Sports on TV
January 15th, 2004

Editorial: Mad Cow Disease in the US
December 26th, 2003

Editorial: Jeb`s Water War
November 25th, 2003

Editorial: Citizen Input Needed
October 27th, 2003

Editorial: Congrats to Our Commission, Now We Must Help
October 17th, 2003

Editorial: Remember Owens Valley
September 29th, 2003

Editorial: Gold Plating Reality, Reconstruction Chic
September 21st, 2003

Editorial: The Responsiblities of a Journalist
August 27th, 2003

Editorial: A Fable: The Great Guano Concord
July 24th, 2003

Editorial: Music for Children
May 26th, 2003

Editorial: Speak Out
May 15th, 2003

Editorial: Parking: Our Biggest Problem?
May 2nd, 2003

Editorial: Vote and Vote Well
April 22nd, 2003

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Air Boats and the Golden Rule

Air Boats and the Golden Rule

Editorial

There are two versions of the Golden Rule. The original version, " Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The cynical version is "He who has the gold makes the rules." Reality is a mix of the two.


The noise from tourist air boats, raised as an issue at a recent Commission meeting, brings to mind the noise of jet aircraft near airports. Also, the noise and disturbance of wildlife by snowmobiles in National Parks has become a problem, as has helicopter flights over the Grand Canyon. There have been technical and regulatory solutions to these problems.


There are technical solutions to air boat noise. Mufflers, low noise-propellers and lower prop speeds through reduction gears are possible. Use of these devices by all air boat owners seems about as likely as hitting a traffic jam in Otter Creek.


Air boat noise is a hot button issue that may only be solved by legal methods. However, politicians like to avoid issues with passionate supporters, no matter how small the group. Legal solutions include strict enforcement of the current law, limiting the hours of air boat use, conditional licensing, and protection of wildlife under current regulations. But perhaps the problem can be solved by mediation and compromise.


Consideration is the basis of the original Golden Rule. Compromise can be a part of the cynical version. Obviously commercial interests are at stake. The value of properties occupied for the peace and wildlife viewing by our community is affected by the noise of excursion air boats. The income from tourists riding air boats is a factor. Invoking a constitutional right to make noise just "won`t fly." Let`s use common sense and solve this problem.

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