In an odd sequence of events, the Friedman Memorial Airport Authority on Wednesday reappointed Ron Fairfax to the seat he's held for nine years.
Fairfax, 56, a Hailey dentist and aircraft owner, is the so-called "independent" member of the airport authority. He technically lost his seat in June when his two-year appointment expired.
However, he remained as an "interim" member by consent of other board members, while the authority advertised for applicants to apply for the post. Fairfax then applied for reappointment, which required him to be interviewed for the post even while technically still on the board.
The only other applicant interviewed at a public session was Jim Nystrom, 79, an aviation businessman and pilot.
Fairfax and Nystrom were asked the same questions—about business skills, commitment to replacing Friedman Memorial, aviation knowledge, communicating with the public and any conflicts of interest.
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Nystrom, who apologized for being nervous during the questioning, was less sure-footed in his answers than Fairfax.
After separate 30-minute interviews, the four board members went into executive session for 15 minutes, then returned to the public session to vote on reappointing Fairfax for another two years.