New digs for the aero advisers

The re-organized Oconee Aeronautics Commission debuted Walhalla meetings yesterday afternoon — a switch to shine a better light on the business of the county’s airport across the lake from Clemson.  Going forward the meetings of the seven-member advisory body shall take place quarterly in county council chambers on the last Thursday of the month at 3:30 pm.  Just before the start yesterday one commissioner was heard to say he’ll miss meeting in the conference room of the airport but Dan Suddeth, commission chairman, said the venue of the county council chambers will give the public a better chance to follow airport operations.  The commissioners, in consultation with airport manager Jeff Garrison, set airport policy and make recommendations to the county fathers.  Besides better acquainting the public with airport business, Chairman Suddeth yesterday stressed the importance for general county officials to know more about the Oconee Regional Airport.  Recently, the airport hosted a visit by Jamie Gilbert, the county’s economic development director, and Suddeth described Gilbert as being impressed with the realization that the airport and its capability to handle small jet craft as a valuable asset in the game of economic development.