Does politics matter more than logic and practicality?
Cynics would say affirmatively "yes."
If the Senate Law and Justice Committee and House Subcommittee on Crime and Correction want to prove otherwise, they can reverse the decision to move the state police helicopter operation from the Williamsport Regional Airport to Hazleton.
At a local hearing last week, representatives of those groups heard all the logical reasons why it makes more sense to have the helicopter at the airport in Montoursville.
When the unit was here, it was among the three busiest in the state. It's rural location in tricky terrain make the unit an invaluable asset for getting to places police can't get and help solve crime and answer public safety concerns that don't exist elsewhere in the state.
This is not just theory.
Those testifying had a factual and anecdotal record to present to prove their case.
And the caseloads in the areas where the helicopter here was going are increasing with the presence of the natural gas industry. Many of the areas taking on increased population and attendant problems aren't equipped to handle the unfortunate crime element that comes with those things.
So just why was the helicopter moved?
Area officials may have gotten a hearing on their home court, but we are all still waiting for a logical explanation.
Of course, maybe there is no logical explanation and this was just politics.
If so, shame on the decision makers.
Bring the helicopter unit back to the Williamsport Regional Airport.
