Letter: Leave MacArthur boss out of politics
Teresa Rizzuto is commisioner of Long Island MacArthur Airport.
Regarding "Criticism of airport chief draws ire" [News, Sept. 16], I am upset with the criticism of Long Island MacArthur Airport Commissioner Teresa Rizzuto.
Blaming her for the loss of airlines and flights is absurd. Rizzuto cannot be blamed for the economic downturn in aviation. The cost of fuel, operations and other expenses is the main reason that new airlines are not looking to start up and spend money. Rizzuto is attempting in every forum to bring an increase of airlines and flight revenue.
Challenging her background and comparing her to the former commissioner is an insult. Whether he had 50 years on the job, and was a "professionally trained" airport manager, does not make her any less capable.
Edward Libassi, Ronkonkoma
Editor's note: The writer is the chief executive of Aircraft Maintenance, an airport tenant.
The deregulated airline industry is reinventing how we fly, where we fly and at what cost. For the head of Long Island MacArthur Airport to find herself drawn into a partisan conflict over which airlines operate from that facility is simply wrong and totally disconnected with the realities of the airline industry.
Rizzuto's leadership has allowed MacArthur to be listed as an official New York metro airport, grouped with LaGuardia, JFK and Newark, creating greater exposure for MacArthur. This will provide opportunities to attract additional airlines and advance the airport as an alternative to the three major airports. Rizzuto has been advocating for international flights with federal officials and the airlines.
She has taken politics out of MacArthur and created a standard for professional behavior that has won the respect of the Long Island business and aviation community.
Eugene Portela, Centereach
Editor's note: The writer is president of the Long Island Business Aviation Association.
