DAVID MARLOWE

Growth does not have to hurt Resistance to change is almost as natural as change itself. Change brings uncertainty. Uncertainty forces people out of their comfort zones, and as a result, is rarely greeted with open arms, much less wholehearted support. Steeped in history, deeply seated in cultural tradition and blessed with a natural beauty no one in their right mind would want to endanger, the River Parishes are resistant to change. To expect otherwise would be to ignore the obvious. We live in a unique area, both ecologically and culturally. We also live in an area, from my viewpoint that is on the brink of experiencing tremendous growth. I do not believe the people of the River Parishes are anti-growth. On the contrary, most of us surely would welcome the prosperity that economic growth implies. It is the ominous shadow of uncertainty, of changes beyond our control that, together, bring out the defensive reactions of many people. That said, I firmly believe that growth and change does not have to hurt. Recently, there has been a great amount of speculation and debate about the future growth of New Orleans International Airport vs. the construction of a new airport, possibly to be located in St. James Parish. There is already an existing regional airport in Baton Rouge, to complicate things further. I do not intend to promote or argue against any particular approach to the airport question in this column. Instead, my focus is on shedding a positive light on the changes, which will occur, regardless of which airport solution is finally selected. The New Orleans Aviation Board, naturally, is pushing for the development of a parallel runway to enhance the capabilities of the present airport. At the current passenger load of 10 million per year, and climbing, we definitely need a solution for the future. St. Charles Parish residents oppose any construction that would infringe on their quality of life, etc. The positive impact of the airport on the parish can’t be ignored either. It is the ages-old dilemma of “Yes, we want progressas long as it doesn’t affect my personal comfort zone.” Please don’t get me wrong. There are many valid concerns on both sides of the table. St. James Parish, meanwhile, continues to be in an uproar over the potential of a new airport being built in its midst. Rumors and misinformation dominate the situation, and apparently few facts are known. My question is simply: how can you live in an area which is facing one of highest unemployment rates in the country and be resistant to any potential source of new economic growth? Sure there are potential negatives. Define them and come up with solutions. The reality of the airport expansion situation is that growth is going to occur. With such growth, change is inevitable. We need to be aware that those dedicated to preventing the changes often have agendas, which are just as self-serving, as the ones they oppose. Why aren’t we focusing on ways to benefit from the airport growth needs, rather than bending over backwards trying to prevent them from occurring? The River Parishes will continue to grow at an increasingly escalating pace. We need to understand that, and turn our attention toward reaping the greatest benefit possible from the changes coming our way. We can improve through change. The only thing holding us hostage is our own reluctance to accept it. DAVID MARLOWE is editor and publisher of L’Observateur.