COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Colorado Springs city councilmember Sean Paige will ask Colorado Springs Airport Director Mark Earle Monday to report back on options for using non-TSA security screeners at the airport.

Paige wants several issues studied.  He wants an objective report on how private screening has functioned at other airports, a closer look at how many U.S. airports have opted out of TSA, and why they've done so, and how private sector alternatives work, including cost.

He also wants a cost vs.. benefits report of opting out, the consequences of saying no to full-body scan machines, and data about the effectiveness and attitudes of TSA personnel at the Colorado Springs airport.

Some are concerned about current screening procedures, though others worry that the alternative - a full-body pat down - would be even worse.

“Airports have the options of using non-TSA personnel to perform these functions,” Paige said in a statement. “Given the growing public frustration with federal screeners, I think Colorado Springs ought to seriously study the pros and cons of replacing TSA at our airport. I’m not supportive of any change that would in any way jeopardize passenger safety, obviously. But if we can get the same or better security with more people-friendly service, and less TSA attitude, I think we should consider replacing TSA. Other airports have done it, or are thinking of doing it, and I believe we should too.” 

Below is the letter Paige will present to Earle:

Dear Mark:

I understand that the option of using non-TSA screeners at Colorado Springs Airport was explored back in 2006, at the request of the advisory board, but we’ve travelled a long way since then, in terms of airport security, and I would ask that we revisit the issue, in light of emerging developments and rising public anger at the intrusiveness of the new security regime. Maintaining passenger safety as COS must be a top priority, obviously, but we in Colorado Springs should also strive to do that in a way that respects the rights, the privacy and the dignity of those who use our airport, whether they’re locals or visitors.

Even if we can’t alter federal policy (though I believe that’s still possible if we register loud enough objections to these extreme new measures), I’m not giving up on the possibility of improving the overall traveling experience for COS customers, through the use of private alternatives if that’s what it takes. More than a dozen airports have gone this route, according to reports, and more are considering it. They must see some benefit in it. I think we should revisit the issue in light of new circumstances.

This isn’t a request for an exhaustive or lengthy “study,” just a thorough briefing to City Council, when one can be arranged, on the options available to us at COS. Among the issues or questions I would want addressed:

- An objective look at how private screening has functioned at other airports.

- A closer look at how many U.S. airports have opted out of TSA, and why they’ve done so.

- How do private sector alternatives work, and what do they cost?

- The costs versus benefits, pros versus cons, of opting out, in light of emerging circumstances (including the possibility that TSA screeners could gain collective bargaining rights).

- Can COS say “no” to full body scan machines? What are the consequences if we do? What sort of work-arounds exist?

- Please provide any data available on the effectiveness and attitudes of TSA personnel at COS. Have there been passenger complaints, and, if so, what are they?

- Was COS one of the 100 airports that reportedly received letters from U.S. Rep. John Mica, encouraging participation in the opt-out program? If so, can we on council get copies of that letter?

I understand that GAO has done some work on related issues. What were its findings? 
 
I’m sure others on Council will have their own questions, if they agree to request this briefing. Those are just mine.
Thanks to you and all who work at the Colorado Springs Airport for the excellent work you do. I know you already do everything possible to improve the experience for everyone who visits or passes through the airport. But we should constantly be exploring our options, in light of evolving circumstances.
 
Please call me if you have questions, or need clarifications of what I’m asking for. 
 
Sean Paige
Colorado Springs City Council, 3rd District

The proposal comes just before the busiest travel time of the year. Paige is looking to get support from fellow councilmembers before presenting his request to airport officials.