Rucho's airport grab stinks of backroom dealing

The arrogance of power:

The Senate voted 33-16 Tuesday to take Charlotte Douglas International Airport from the city, which has governed it successfully for 78 years, and give it to a new independent authority. Unless House Speaker Thom Tillis of Mecklenburg County slows things down, Charlotte taxpayers will soon lose jurisdiction over a jewel responsible for an estimated $10 billion a year in economic activity.

So much for being against big-government thuggery. A move of this magnitude, that will affect bond-holders and taxpayers in great numbers, should (at least) be dealt with via referendum. That way, all the pro-con reasons would be brought to the fore, and not hidden behind smug opacity:

In a phone interview Wednesday afternoon, Rucho told FOX Charlotte a private law firm hired by his office would resolve any issues raised by "opponents" of his legislation. He is pushing for a state takeover of the city's airport.

But when asked - which firm has been hired; who's paying for the legal advice; and why hide the identity of those who don't want the City of Charlotte to manage its airport? - Rucho said he doesn't have to answer.

I'm beginning to understand why this bill was dealt with at the same time the VoterID argument was raging. Misdirection is the bread and butter of the con artist.