Airport's governing board faces important decision

The resignation of Tom Nolan as director of aviation at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport could be the best thing that happens to the troubled facility -- or it could be the worst thing. It all depends on who the Western Reserve Port Authority hires to succeed Nolan. We urge the authority not to rush to judgment.
Before a formal search is launched, the airport's governing board, the commissioners from Trumbull and Mahoning counties and leaders in the business community should reach a consensus on what kind of airport would fulfill the needs of the region. Simply saying, "We must have an airport and, therefore, need an airport manager," won't wash with the taxpayers. Trumbull and Mahoning counties each contribute $300,000 a year to cover the facility's operating costs, and commissioners are under pressure from their constituents to justify the expenditure.
Given that there is no commercial air service at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport -- the last airline pulled out on Sept. 8 -- the question that has surfaced in recent months is this: Is the airport still an asset? We believe it is, but then again we have long maintained that without a full-service airport, the Mahoning Valley's economic development effort will be greatly handicapped.
Reassurance
The consensus on what kind of facility would fulfill the region's needs is important to reassure taxpayers that their money isn't being squandered on a pipe dream and to guide the port authority in developing a job description for the new manager.
Just hiring someone with a background in aviation could be disastrous, given that the regional airport is in need of specialized expertise and care. On the other hand, bringing in someone who has managed a busy airport that does not have to contend with competition from major international hubs, such as Cleveland Hopkins and Pittsburgh International, also could be a mistake.
The word "resurrection" comes to mind when thinking about Youngstown-Warren Regional. It has hit rock bottom and the only direction it can go is up. But that's where the challenge lies.
Nolan, who has been director of aviation since 1996, was ideal for the job when the airport was being served by several commercial airlines. When the pull-out began, however, he was not able to get a handle on the situation.
To those who have questioned his credentials as an airport administrator, we would simply point out that he has been hired as the assistant director of airports in Wichita, Kan.
The decision made by the port authority on the hiring of a successor will have long-term ramifications. That is why the authority, the commissioners and the business leaders must clearly articulate a vision for the airport and then look for the individual who could transform that vision into reality.