Beins, Wessels both have airport authority experience
Two local men who both have years of experience serving on the Aurora Airport Authority Board are in competition for a single six-year term on the governing body but only one of the candidates’ names will be on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Ross Beins, a retired airline pilot, former Aurora Airport manager and 12-year member of the board, filed last spring to run for the seat that had been occupied the last seven years by Aurora businessman Kasey Wessels. As for Wessels, he missed the incumbent filing deadline and is now running as a write-in candidate.
The News-Register recently sent both of the candidates questionnaires seeking background information as well as the candidates’ thoughts on issues facing the airport in the years ahead. What follows are the questions followed by their responses.
Ross Beins
Tell us a little about yourself.
After 28 years, I retired as a captain for United Airlines and then worked for the air transport division of Rockwell-Collins Avionics, an avionics manufacturer in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as the director of cockpit operational requirements for 10 more years before retiring again. Early on, I also worked for two years as the director of operations at the Lincoln Airport. When I took my Rockwell-Collins retirement, my wife and I decided to come back to Aurora, my birthplace and hometown for 18 years. At that time, Mr. Al Potter, who had been chairman of the authority for nearly 40 years, who was preparing for retirement himself, asked me personally if I would be willing to serve on the authority. I have always objected to anyone comfortably retired who then, without necessity, continues to find employment that deprives a willing, younger family provider of the income. However, this job involves no income to deprive anyone of. So I said I would be glad to do it. Al and I had been good friends as far back as the 70s, including the two years I was the Aurora airport manager, so he was well aware of my aviation experiences. Mayor Marlon Seeman, during an earlier term as mayor, appointed me to fill the vacant position created by Al’s retirement. By law, such an appointment must then be voted on at the next general election, so I ran for office in 2008 and won in 2014. I won re-election, and I remained on the authority to complete the runway 16/34 refurbishment project, and two terms in office (12 years) resigning in July, 2020.
Why are you running for this office?
Because I had been a member of the authority for 12 years, I knew that one seat on the authority was to come up for election this year. Upon checking a few days before the deadline for incumbent filing, I found no one had filed for the authority opening so, replicating Mayor Seaman a few years back, I filed for the same position I had occupied a few years earlier. The seat being open for election was made to order to both put a full slate of pilots on the authority and to resolve a slight case of retired boredom, but it was also the logical and best use of my interest, my time, my ability and my background.
What personal strengths and talents do you bring to the position?
For the edification and entertainment of Hamilton County voters, I have started publishing 11 articles in the Aurora News-Register, written in rhyme, describing my pertinent aviation experiences. The first weekly article was published on August 28 the 11th and final article will be published in the November 6 paper, the day after the polls close.
What, in your view, are the top three priority issues facing the airport authority?
These days, I think it has become more important that couples let each other know that, in fact, you do notice the many small things that make your existence worthwhile. Maybe it is time to increase public awareness of the many small things that make airport existence worthwhile because:
1. Authority decisions involve spending tax money. It is very important that the decisions have a sound deliberative foundation and are clearly explained and recorded for public awareness. 2. Maintaining financial stability with appropriate cash business reserves is paramount for public support.
3. Publishing a condensed financial report and informative meeting summary might help public awareness.
4. Keeping committed, success-driven aviators on the authority is a reliable recipe for airport success.
Turns out that most members of the various airport authorities seem to be successful, working people who love aviation and have a pilot’s license. Many do own or have owned an airplane, and most serve without pay for many years. This preserves a lot of relevant historical knowledge about their airport, and generally, will not stifle innovative considerations. But occasionally, it has been proven beneficial to include new points of view. When discussing advancements in technology or review of current operational policies, the source doesn’t really need to be new, but someone new to the crew may have a new view so public awareness is rallied anew.
What goals do you hope to accomplish while serving on the board?
I would suggest that local marketing strategy discussions be a future airport authority agenda item.
Sticking my neck out a little bit, my vision is:
1. All listed items will be maintained or upgraded with perhaps a slower pace, with continued growth.
2. All services and infrastructure will be kept abreast of technologically appropriate upgrades.
3. The airport manager will continue to receive input and interact appropriately with airport visitors and tenants.
4. The airport authority will continue to close a close and reliable relationship with the Aurora mayor, city manager, city council and county commissioners who all provided support the 12 years I was previously an authority member.
Kasey Wessels
Tell us a little about yourself.
A lifelong resident of Aurora, I graduated from Aurora High School and attended Central Community College. I’ve been in the transportation industry for 30 years, currently serving as President and General Manager for Central Cooperative Non-Stock Transport Co. My wife, Janna and I have been married 25 years, we have four children and eight grandchildren.
Aurora is a wonderful place to raise a family which speaks highly of those who have served the community in the past and present. I have volunteered on various committees including 10 years with the Aurora Booster Club, Aurora Aquatic Center, 12 years with Aurora Fire Department, current board of director for the Nebraska Trucking Association, and I’m on my seventh year as a board member for the Aurora Airport Authority.
I believe in being community oriented and continuing my efforts to see growth within our wonderful town and airport which will ensure their strength and stability.
Why are you running for this office?
For any board to be successful, it is imperative the best individuals are in place with the right mindset, values, and commitment. Seven years ago, when I was asked to fill an open seat on the airport authority board and was voted on unanimously by the city council, I noticed improvements were needed within the unity and culture of the board that would help move the airport in a positive direction. Once the necessary changes were made, the current board worked together successfully to rebuild the culture and represent the airport and City of Aurora in a positive manner. Over the last five years, the following projects have been completed: A new runway, taxiway, and tarmac, bi-fold hanger doors, new fuel pump and credit card system, updated necessary maintenance equipment including the purchase of a new mower with a snowblower attachment and a UTV to assist the airport manager with grounds work and field inspections.
The airport now has a privately owned flight school “Grow Aviation”, the National Guard utilizes the field for training and the facilities are utilized to support agricultural needs. The board will continue to support all on-field businesses by ensuring our commitment to provide a top-notch airport. The positive efforts by the current board of directors and manager have brought appeal from other companies that are interested in operating their businesses at the airport.
What personal strengths and talents do you bring to the position?
Leadership, commitment, and integrity are strengths I value. I am always willing to listen and assist with resolving concerns or issues, provide suggestions and input on topics of discussion to find the most appropriate course of action.
What goals do you hope to accomplish while serving on the board?
Should I have the honor and privilege of being re-elected, as a write-in, for another term, I will continue my efforts working closely with the board of directors, airport manager, city officials and current and future on-field businesses to make improvements to the Aurora Airport for future generations. I believe these were the intentions of the original planning commission in 1960 and I’m fortunate to have been a part of their vision and legacy over the last seven years serving on the Aurora Airport Authority Board.