DJ may become authority member
The next member of the Fayette County Airport Authority is likely to be one of Fayette County’s best-known disc jockeys – Mark A. Wasler, popularly known as “Kingfish.” But while Wasler apparently has the two votes needed to take the seat recently vacated by pilot Nick Ludi, with Commissioners Joseph A. Hardy III and Vincent A. Vicites supporting him, Commission Chairwoman Angela M. Zimmerlink prefers former airport authority board member Al Ambrosini.
According to information obtained by the Herald-Standard, Hardy, who did not return a call seeking comment Monday, is requesting Wasler’s appointment to the airport board. Vicites said Monday that Hardy wants Wasler in the post and that he supports the appointment.
“I’m supportive of that … I’ve known him (Kingfish) for a number of years,” said Vicites. “We had several interviewees who came in the last time we did interviews. He was one of them.”
Added Vicites, “It seems like he had a keen interest in being involved in some type of authority or board. I think he seems like he has some type of interest, and he had mentioned that his attendance would be good if he’s selected.”
Zimmerlink said that according to her records, Wasler did not interview for the airport authority but instead had interviewed for a spot on the county Zoning Hearing Board. Zimmerlink said her preference is Ambrosini, based on his superior qualifications.
“I’m supportive of Al Ambrosini. He has the educational background, he’s also a pilot, he has prior board experience, and he’s affiliated with a local aviation association,” said Zimmerlink. “I think that he would be an asset to the board.”
Zimmerlink said that only Ambrosini and Myrna Giannopoulos interviewed for the airport authority. Giannopoulos was appointed to the board in January, replacing Robert Schiffbauer.
Airport board Chairman Fred K. Davis said that while he’s fully aware the commissioners can appoint whomever they want, he prefers a known quantity in Ambrosini, whom he lauded for his work during a prior term on board.
“I know absolutely nothing about ‘Kingfish,'” said Davis. “But I am totally familiar with Al’s technical skills and expertise, which he demonstrated as a board member in the past. He was specifically instrumental in preserving the Taylorcraft structure to incorporate into the new terminal building.”
Davis also said that while the five-member airport board could use another skilled hand, it’s also important to have someone committed to independence.
“I fully recognize that the commissioners can appoint who they want,” said Davis. “But at such a critical juncture, I feel there are compelling arguments to support demonstrated skill and ability over an undetermined and obvious individual whose interest would be in preserving his job, as opposed to the good of the airport or the good of the county.”
Wasler did not return a call seeking comment. He did video work for last year’s 84 Lumber PGA Classic and reportedly has done other event work at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, owned by Hardy.
The commissioners may vote to put the airport board appointment on Thursday’s agenda at this morning’s agenda-setting meeting.