MONTEREY >> Two Monterey Peninsula Airport District seats are up for election on the Nov. ballot with District 1 appointee Carol Chorbajian in the running against challenger Jonathan Ahmadi and District 3 incumbent Mary Ann Leffel in a contest with challenger Uwe Grobecker.

Chorbajian, 72, has gained experience serving on committees for Measure P and now Measure S. She sits on those measures’ oversight committee and has served as a past chair. Chorbajian volunteers with Community Partnership for Youth, Monterey County Business PAC, Monterey Peninsula Taxpayers Association, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. She has served as a board member for the Monterey County Hospitality Association and See Monterey, and volunteered with the Rancho Cielo Drummond Culinary Academy as a Committee Chair, Culinary Roundup Committee member and member of the Chef’s Advisory Board.

Chorbajian says one of the most important issues facing the Monterey Peninsula Airport District are the projects which will result in safety enhancements and a new terminal.

“The completion of these projects, with the Board assisting staff in seeking airlines to provide new non-stop flights from more destinations, will allow our Monterey hospitality industry to attract all-important group business that brings in substantial quantities of transient occupancy tax and sales tax in to the Peninsula,” said Chorbajian. “The Board has also been diligently working on maintaining and building community awareness of the Airport District in order to increase their level of comfort with the District.”

Ahmadi, 41, has experience in construction project management, community organizing becoming a regional field director, worked as a district representative, served as Vice President of the Board of the Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative, and was recently elected to the board of the Housing Resource Center of Monterey County.

He has worked for the past seven years as a transition planning project manager in the field of healthcare construction.

Ahmadi said the primary reason for his decision to run for the Monterey Peninsula Airport District 1 position relates to the upcoming construction project to build a new terminal.

“The airport is a critical part of our peninsula’s infrastructure. I feel I can serve my community by putting my experience and knowledge to use, ensuring the construction project goes smoothly,” said Ahmadi in an email. “I also want to make sure we are hiring locals to do the work of building the new terminal, preferably union tradesmen and women, I want to increase community engagement and foster better relationships with those most impacted by the airport, and I want our community to continue to be a part of helping to define a more sustainable future for aviation.”

District 3 incumbent Mary Ann Leffel, 79, has more than 35 years of public service in Monterey County, not counting nonprofit service. Leffel chaired the first county wide revolving loan fund for seven years, representing the city of Monterey, served on and chaired Natividad Hospital Board for four years, served on the Monterey County Workforce Investment Board, most as Vice Chair and Chair of several committees for 27 years. She co-founded the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development at Cal State Monterey Bay, was a founding board member of Monterey County Regional Taxi Authority where she served as chair and vice chair, was a founding board member of Old Monterey Business Association and served for six years. She is in her 16th year on Monterey Peninsula Airport District, third time as chair. Leffel has served on Monterey County Film Commission board, Seaside’s Economic Commission, Monterey County’s Overall Economic Development Commission, and dozens of nonprofit boards. Leffel also co-chaired two 1/2 sales tax initiatives — Save Natividad From Closing, and Build a Prunedale Bypass.

Leffel is currently retired.

“Monterey Peninsula Airport District is in the middle of a $200 million safety/modernization project. I believe it will benefit our region for decades into the future,” said Leffel. “With my financial background, ability to work through complex issues, 40-plus years of using the airport, and working with our elected officials, staff and community needs, I add value to this endeavor.”

Leffel said the community has shown a need — through data collection and requests — for more destinations, better access, modern technology such as jet ways, and the comfort of larger, quieter planes. In addition, the elimination of using potable water when allowed, a large solar farm addition, sustainable AV gas and an electric fleet with multiple charging stations are all ongoing efforts with positive community benefit.

“(Monterey Peninsula Airport District) will continue to listen and deliver,” said Leffel. “I believe I can contribute to a successful outcome for all.”

District 3 challenger Grobecker, 67, is a retired businessman and as a former executive he was actively involved in the international agricultural trade and the Monterey hospitality industry.

His previous experience includes being a former board member of the Old Monterey Business Association, a founding board member of the Old Monterey Foundation and a current director at the New Monterey Neighborhood Association.

“The most pressing issue facing the Monterey Peninsula Airport District is its lack of transparency and outdated noise and safety mitigation policies, which haven’t been reviewed since 2007,” said Grobecker in an email. “The community deserves better communication and involvement in decisions impacting our lives.”

He proposes establishing a citizens committee comprising representatives from local neighborhoods and city councils to provide input and collaborative solutions, to ensure that community voices are heard and integrated into the airport’s plans for future growth.

Grobecker said the new terminal has a cost exceeding $88 million, and is less than 50% funded through federal grants today.

“We need transparency about who will cover the remaining costs. To increase air traffic further to generate more revenue is not a viable solution, as it exacerbates noise and safety concerns,” he said. “Our airport is a vital regional asset, and its development should reflect the needs and input of the community it serves. It’s not ALL about big business on our peninsula and a right balance between commercial growth and the quality of life for residents is crucial.”