This was written by Robert Manthey, a Mesa District 5 resident, and is shared here with his permission.

We are all frustrated by how slowly things are moving. But let us not forget that the mess we are now experiencing began with decisions that were made back in 2019 by the city council and FFZ management at that time. The current council members that are up for reelection are not those people.

Alicia Goforth has led the way to get council members in other districts to fight for us and vote unanimously against a powerful aviation lobby that is doing everything they can to block them. That is no small achievement. We in district 5 sometimes forget that most people outside of district 5 are not experiencing the level of abuse that we are. Most Mesa residents are either not following or do not get what all the fuss with FFZ is all about.

Even if not winnable, a major purpose of the current lawsuit against Mesa is to cause delay and to intimidate anyone who stands up against the aviation lobby.

Goforth and the current council are also up against an even more powerful FAA who’s only priority seems to be to get the greatest number of planes in the air as possible, regardless of the impact to residents on the ground. The FAA is strictly enforcing itself as the sole authority for managing air traffic and pilot behavior. The FFA is imposing severe legal constraints on Mesa’s authority to make changes that might favor the interests of local citizens more than the interests of corporations and foreign governments.

If that were not enough, the majority AZ legislature is siding with the aviation lobby and trying to pass meritless legislation (HB2210) to restrict the use of ADS-B tracking data. The real intent of that legislation is to make it harder for municipalities like Mesa to prevent local tax dollars from being used to subsidize private enterprise and foreign interests.

We all are craving quick resolutions, but that does not reflect reality regardless of who is on the council. The council is fighting an extremely uphill battle against powerful groups that are doing everything they can to block efforts and to cause delay.

Certainly our frustration is warranted, but a knee jerk reaction to just vote out the very people who ARE fighting on our behalf is concerning.  The consequences of doing so are not well thought out. 

Some of Goforth’s opponents make generic campaign promises that they have a concept to fight for the citizens, but not a peep about any concrete ideas or willingness to go against a powerful aviation lobby, the FAA, or a majority state legislature.  Goforth is not just talking, she has demonstrated that she is willing to walk the walk.

It is no coincidence that yard signs for opponents who make the generic campaign rally cry to “be for the people” are the ones showing up in the front lawns of pilots and aviation activists. It is no coincidence that Goforth is the candidate the aviation lobby opposes.

Yes, vent your frustrations, but please direct them to the groups that are standing in the way.  Don’t just complain. Be part of the fight. HB2210 has not passed yet. Write your state representatives and Gov Hobbs to oppose it. Send letters to the entire council and the mayor that you support them to continue the fight against these powerful organizations. Talk to your neighbors. Put out a yard sign. At the very least show support with your ballot.

Don’t let the frustration from delays that are forced by powerful aviation groups turn us against the very people that are fighting to help us. That is their objective.  Don’t take the bait.

Vote Alicia Goforth for District 5 Council