Every four years we all get the chance to choose who will fill the most critical leadership positions in the nation. This year, not only are we voting for president, but we also will decide the fate of one-third of the U.S. Senate and all 435 members of the House of Representatives.
We all have many reasons for selecting one candidate over another. These are nuanced decisions and I don’t suggest you vote based on a single issue. Rather, this year I ask you to consider a candidate’s position on the issues that affect general aviation—along with all the other factors you consider when voting.
If you’re new to GA, you may not have given much thought to how elected representatives can affect your freedom and cost to fly. Taxes, user fees, funding for airport infrastructure, access to GPS signals, air traffic modernization, and many more issues are decided in Washington, D.C. And having elected officials who understand and appreciate the value of GA makes an enormous difference.
At this writing, the GA caucuses in the House and Senate are among the biggest on Capitol Hill. The 142 members of the House GA Caucus and 36 members of the Senate GA Caucus have repeatedly taken action that supports GA. From opposing user fees to insisting on privacy rights for aircraft operators, these lawmakers recognize that GA serves the nation and are actively engaged in protecting it.
This year’s elections will inevitably shake things up. Some caucus members will win reelection, and others may not. But the more lawmakers who value GA win office, the better our chances of continuing to avoid user fees, provide long-term funding for the FAA, and prevent excessive and costly regulation.
The best way to find out where a candidate stands on GA is to ask. It’s not an issue that comes up all the time, and some candidates may not have given much thought to where GA fits into the national transportation system. That’s where you can make a huge difference. Tell candidates that GA matters to you and thousands of others. Tell them why GA is important in your life. Then tell them you vote.
I’ve been around politics a long time, and I want to share a simple truth with you. Politicians know that every vote counts, and they want to win yours. When you tell them what matters to you, they will listen.
At AOPA we work with candidates and elected officials on a bipartisan basis. I regularly speak to governors from both parties and meet with legislators on Capitol Hill. This year, AOPA will attend both the Democratic and Republican national conventions. We also support pro-GA candidates through the AOPA Political Action Committee. Again, receiving AOPA PAC support doesn’t depend on which party a candidate represents. Instead, the candidate’s standing up for GA interests is what counts.
We only get a chance like this every four years. I strongly urge you to use your voice on behalf of GA. Attend political events, get to know the candidates, ask questions, and explain what matters to you. You will be amazed by just how responsive candidates can be to engaged voters.
It’s still several months until election night, and much more maneuvering is sure to take place along the way. But don’t wait to get involved. Make your voice and opinions heard, and help ensure that we elect decision makers who care about GA.
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