from: Kathleen Falk: falk at co.dane.wi.us

Dear Mr. Zellmer:

Thank you for your thoughtful email regarding commercial air service in Dane County.

I apologize for my delay in responding. I had hoped to be able to give you
some good news because our Airport Director has been negotiating to add
direct flights to major new destinations. While these negotiations are
still underway and we appear to be making progress, we don't yet have an
agreement.

Attached is more information, assembled by our Airport Director, in response
to your suggestions and questions.

As he notes in his material, I have assigned him the task of convincing the
airlines to add more direct flights since, literally, his first day on the
job - about a year ago. The County Board and I will offer the Airport
Commission and him strong support in this difficult task.

Thank you again for your thoughtful inquiry.

Sincerely,


Kathleen Falk
Dane County Executive

Notes from the Airport Director: (PDF 32K)

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Zellmer
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 8:56 PM
To: falk@co.dane.wi.us; Mayor; Rep Berceau; Sen.Risser

Subject: rayovac/econ development

Good Evening, all:

I am writing while waiting at O'hare for yet another delayed ord - msn
flight (flying back from a brief phoenix meeting).

I urge you to take this opportunity to evaluate Madison & Dane County's
economic development plans and requirements in light of Rayovac's
announcement (msn - atlanta non stops would certainly help reduce the
likely possibility of further job losses).

The DCRA (MSN) is user friendly, but due to it's commuter nature,
frequent travel is a real hassle.Southwest and perhaps JetBlue are the
only viable carriers that might increase non-stop destinations from Madison.
I don't see any of the other major airlines increasing service. (BTW - I've heard that
Southwest approached the county several years ago - is that true?)

Finally, it's clearly important for elected officials to visit on a
regular basis with large and small business management. We do this
annually with our clients.....

Best wishes -


Jim