offered to take the loudest 'nay sayers' up for some free trips
and then make sure that pictures are taken of them entering and leaving the aircraft and subsequently published in the local newspaper.
That usually creates a rift in these groups.
Not in the USA and no idea of the legality of such an "advisory board" but what are the chances of the airport management caving in to their pressure and making you abide by these stupid rules?
Try to get statistics that kill off their safety claims. But it is better to nip it in the bud by being seen as flying neighbourly and as stated above, create division among them if at all possible.
I thought all these old people were deaf anyway?