Candidate Statement

By Tomas "Tom" Lopez

Brief information on the Santa Maria Public Airport District, why I'm running and my long and short term goals upon election. Most importantly, I'd love to hear from YOU and what you would like to see at the airport. Send me a message at http://www.facebook.com/ElectTomLopez

The Santa Maria Public Airport District was created in 1964 and is governed by the 5 elected members of the Board of Directors. The mission statement of the airport district is "To provide a safe, friendly, attractive and economically sound airport through integrity and efficiency". The responsibilities of the directors are to oversee that policies meet this mission statement.

I am running for Director because I see our airport as a diamond in the rough. Our airport has the potential to become a major economic hub for two reasons: it is the second largest land area airport in California and it is located in the most populous city of both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. As a small business owner, developer and current planning commissioner for the City of Santa Maria, I'll bring a unique perspective to meet and exceed mission statement goals.

As a director, I'll be an advocate for increased general and commercial aviation use, marketability and economical destinations. I will also work for the promotion of business growth, the development of airport land use and a better economic relationship with the City. Below are some of the short and long term goals that as a Director, I would like to help achieve.

SHORT TERM GOALS (UPON ELECTION TO OFFICE)

• Create a Business friendly environment for the growth and success of the existing and future Airport businesses and tenants

• Work with residents and the business /tourism community to identify destinations and airlines that will increase Commercial Passenger boarding numbers

• Create the `SMX' brand to identify the Santa Maria Public Airport as well as an identified path of travel from US 101 to SMX

• Establish SMX as the premier Central Coast Airport Destination and the true "Gateway to the Central Coast"

• Create more passenger amenities in the boarding area, including a private lounge area for our uniformed active duty servicemen.

• Implement and oversee the build out of the Santa Maria Airport Business Park

• Market the business friendly atmosphere of the Airport District nationwide to attract Business to the Santa Maria Airport Business Park and the Santa Maria Valley