Letter to Mountain View Mayor Faravelli and Sunnyvale Mayor Robin Parker
July 26, 1996


On behalf of the Alliance for a New Moffett Field ("The Alliance"), I would like to offer our comments on the letter dated July 23, 1996, that you received from Dr. Ken Munechika, Director of Moffett Federal Airfield .

The Alliance welcomes Dr. Munechikaís proposal for a citizensí advisory committee to consider alternative uses for Moffett Federal Airfield. In his letter, Dr. Munechika requests the cities to participate in a review of possibilities for future uses of Moffett Federal Airfield, within NASA's Comprehensive Use Plan, and make recommendations. A review of this letter suggests that Dr. Munechika would like to limit the scope of the advisory board on future uses of this property to an "airfield." We would encourage the city to ask that the proposed citizens' advisory commitee examine a broad range of uses, not only air operations, for alternative sources of revenue to support NASA's ability to remain a viable entity in this community.

The establishment of an advisory committee does not in any way conflict with an advisory vote by the citizens of Mountain View and Sunnyvale in the general election on November 5, 1996. This vote does not preclude the consideration of alternative uses within the scope defined by NASA and it provides the citizens with an opportunity to provide vital input to the general direction of the advisory board. Furthermore, it permits the citizens to take a position on the intensification of the use of Moffett Federal Airfield.

In conclusion, we believe your constituents should have an opportunity to express their opinions. Our congressional representatives have made it clear that they will look towards the communities of Mountain View and Sunnyvale for direction on this issue. It is important that the voters be granted an early opportunity to state their opinions. The time for this is November, when the greatest number of voters can participate.


Thank you for your support and leadership on this issue.



Regards,

Bob Seltzer
President, Alliance for a New Moffett Field