Guys,
My emails to the Mayor/City County folks was answered today.... Here is the text...:

"To: Jeff Miller
Subject: RE: Talk To Us System Message


Mr. Miller,

Your email got forwarded to me... imagine that.

I think you know the answer you're going to get by now: even with
advanced notice, you may still be subject to scrutiny. Basically, there
is no way to let everyone know why you are there. Inevitably, somebody
doesn't get the word, and most people fall back on their training: to be
on the lookout for those who do not belong in the area.

Essentially, those signs are there so that we can control who does and
doesn't have access to that area, and quite frankly, Airport Operations
doesn't want a lot of people up in that area. There have been enough
credible threats against airports and airlines recently to justify a
certain level of paranoia. Even when your intentions are innocent, most
of those people have no way of knowing that. And right now, we don't
have the time or manpower to do background checks on people who simply
want to photograph airplanes. It's hard enough keeping up with everyone
who is actually doing business out here.

As I have told you before, this is simply the nature of the industry we
work in and I don't see that changing any time soon. You can continue
to let us know when you're going to be up there, but again, that doesn't
guarantee you won't be scrutinized. Since you are on airport property
up there, an airport operations person or Denver police officer does
have the right to tell you to leave. It's generally a judgment call on
that person's part, as you have probably seen in some of your
conversations with different entities. But the letter of the law says
you shouldn't be up there and that's what many people will choose to
enforce.

Again, I know this isn't the answer you want to hear, but it's the only
one I have.

xxxxx xxxxxxxxx
Public Relations Office
Denver International Airport


and my response:

Mr. Sxxxxxx,

Talk about a runaround.. This is incredible, but not unexpected. I do appreciate you taking the time to respond to the inquiry I made via the City's web site. In addition to this inquiry, I have been in touch with the Denver Police Department, the TSA, Airport Operations (Rxxxxx Dxxxxxxx, Exxx Hxxxl) DIA Security (Mxxx Nxxxx) and a Mr. Cxxxx Cxxxxx, Director of Public Affairs.

Those of us wishing to take photographs from that area are not against being scrutinized. Actually the opposite applies, we have been patient, and we understand that recent events have changed paranoia levels. Paranoia is one thing, common sense another, I think you will agree. You say you "don't have the time or manpower to do background checks on people who simply want to photograph airplanes." Yes, we simply want to photograph airplanes, well put, I could not have said it any better. Do we need a background check to do so? We have offered.

The posted signs say permission must be granted from the City and County of Denver. Do you legally represent the City and County of Denver in this matter? If not, all I would like to know is who does so I may contact them. What is so strange about this is the fact you at one time mentioned us paying for access. Does that make us less of a threat? Less of a draw on manpower? I have received a far different response from a few of the people I have spoke to about this, none of them mentioned payment.

Again, I appreciate your time and patience with me. I will notify operations of any future visits, and encourage the Denver Police to stop by, they have always been welcomed by our group of photographers, and understand our intentions. I do not yet consider this matter closed, as I am still in discussions with the above individuals, and still have a few more people up the chain to inform.

Thanks once again,

Jeff Miller

This is from the guy I used to call 48 hours in advance for access to the hill. Then he told me he had no authority to allow me access, and thus the beginning of the "battle". Now all of a sudden he has the authority to say NO? I still have calls in to 4 other people, so, don't get upset with this guy's response. Just an update for you. I've got a new camera and spiffy lens to take up there and try out!

v/r
Jeff