Mitt Romney on ATC

islandguy Junior Member

Hey all,

I was trying to do some research on Romneys opinions and plans for the ATC system in America but couldnt find any information. Does anyone know his views on it. I know its politics and I try to stay out of them but was just curious...

MIAvectors Loving Life

He's a Republican... which means he want's to privatize the ATC system and allow private contractors to tear them apart and suck every penny out of them with no regard for safety, only sheer profit. It worked well for Lockheed Martin's pockets when they took over Flight Service, not so well for the ATC system and FSS controllers.

Radium Epic Member

But the contract has been extended so he can only do so much if he wins. There is no way in two terms they can phase us out

Airforceone Rookie ZTL

Typical NATCA member answer... Not ALL republicans feel this way. Dont drink too much of the kool-aid

StuSEL Trusted Member West Lafayette, IN

Given that the FAA reauthorization has passed already, I don't think there will be many changes to the current plan already.

What's funny about you guys who balk about privatization is that you forget how many facilities had their levels downgraded as a result of a huge dip in air traffic, which is largely the result of our current administration's bad economic policy. When the economy does well, more people fly, and you get paid more.

jtomes Senior Member Memphis TN

Your really comparing traffic levels to the current administration? thats such a bad argument and can be spun back to Bush if you really wanted to go that way. Traffic was plummeting well before the current administration took office.

Romney has voiced his beliefs against Unions and especially public sector unions... thus against NATCA if that sways you in either direction.

Airforceone Rookie ZTL

Traffic took a hit starting 9/12/2001. Hasnt been the same since.

whegner Junior Member

Let's not forget that conservative stalwart Al Gore was the one who originally proposed full privatization.

shaba169 Trusted Member

I remember some ATC'ers I work with saying that, and decided to look it up.....traffic actually took a hit in 2006, at least in ZOA, and has worked its way back up, and its not to low compared to 2005 and 2001 levels.

To the person that said that's a typical NATCA member answer, yeah your right, it is, because it is the truth, Romney isn't the person to be afraid of, but let the right people get Romney's ear with him as president ( mica, and the rest of the anti union repubs) and you can kiss collective bargaining, raises, and maybe even our job away.

Romney doesn't have a chance of being elected, but if he did, I can't see a single reason an ATC'er would vote for him, it just doesn't make sense.

StuSEL Trusted Member West Lafayette, IN

Just because I'm against Obama doesn't mean I support Bush. Not sure why everyone thinks that. I deplore Bush's economic policies, and yes, they can also be attributed to a drop in traffic.

Look, the economy is growing at 1.9% GDP (as opposed to 5-7% like it should be in a recovery), there's $5 trillion more in debt than we had 4 years ago, and taxes are going up in January. That's all a big recipe for less traffic, and for privatization of a lot of towers.

I'd predict many ATCers vote for Romney because they see how deplorable the job environment is. They have kids, family, and friends who need jobs, and Mr. President hasn't fulfilled any of his unemployment rate promises.