Don Young International Airport nixed By DIANA CAMPBELL, Staff Writer http://www.news-miner.com/Stories/0,1413,113~7244~2781711,00.html

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly quashed Hank Bartos' idea to honor Alaska's lone congressman by renaming Fairbanks International Airport.

<>Bartos' proposal for Don Young International Airport was downed 8-1, with Bartos offering the only yes vote.
"No pain, no gain," Bartos said after Assemblywoman Bonnie Williams thanked him for presenting the resolution, which spurred a lot of interest. <>Bartos gave an impassioned plea for passage of his resolution, noting Young has worked hard for Alaska for more than 30 years. And if Anchorage named their airport the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, he said, then Fairbanks could do the same for Young.
He referenced the borough's schools, roads, buildings and other facilities named after politicians and local citizens. <>"We ought to honor our one and only congressman," he said.
Most public testimony went against the idea, as well.

"I find it insulting that you would name the Fairbanks airport after anyone who doesn't have an aviation background," Michael Armstrong said. "Why don't you work with the Fort Yukon people to name their airport after him. Or perhaps the Don Young Sewer Treatment Facility."

Some supporters came out in favor of the renaming, saying that perhaps the move would send more money to the airport. Young is the chairman of the House of Representatives' 75-member Transportation Committee.

<>"We need some funds," Ed Maynard said. "I think Don Young would be a great guy to do it."
Assemblymembers said Young would help the Fairbanks airport whether it was named after him or not.

"Don's not that type of guy," Assemblyman Earl Romans said.

Assemblywoman Bonnie Williams agreed. She said she works for Young's campaign, wears his button and waves signs on the street for him.
"This is a vote not about what we think of Don Young, but what we feel about our airport," she said.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly quashed Hank Bartos idea ...