The Chair of the Saugeen Municipal Airport Commission says growth in larger companies in the surrounding area will elevate the airport to become much more of an essential service. Dan Gieruszak was at West Grey Council to provide a presentation at its regular meeting on Tuesday, with Gieruszak noting "revenues are up 8%, and usage at the airport is up. So it's been a tremendous year for us with new hanger builds and new agreements".
Gieruszak's appearance came weeks after West Grey Councillor Rebecca Hergert was suspended five days without pay for appearing as a defense witness at a Provincial Offences Court case, which an Integrity Report found breached West Grey's Code of Conduct, with the original complaint regarding Coun. Hergert's appearance coming from the Saugeen Municipal Airport Commission.
During that council meeting, Coun. Hergert accused the S.M.A.C. of "Running rogue, and maybe doing illegal activities" and recommended council "Investigate this further".
At Tuesday's meeting, Hergert asked ten questions to Chair Gieruszak following his presentation, including how much the S.M.A. had in reserves, and how much he estimated the contribution for West Grey would go down next year.
In an interview after the meeting, Gieruszak told CKNX "the line of questioning was a little bit off-topic. Certainly Ms. Hergert has an interest in the airport, so I can understand her asking some questions. But it was a little bit off-topic".
With her final question, Coun. Hergert asked "Could the chair discuss the affiliation with C.O.P.A. (Canadians Owners and Pilots Association) that has been ongoing, and letters have been going back-and-forth, signifying an exit from the C.O.P.A. organization for the Saugeen Municipal Airport?"
Gieruszak replied "I can't speak on behalf of C.O.P.A. members".