Discussion surrounding FAA Control Tower closures as a result of sequestration has dominated the transportation community recently. Some of the concerns and opinions are valid, while others could be characterized as fear-mongering. In any case, sequestration cuts will likely result in at least temporary tower closures. This isn’t the doing of the FAA, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the FAA is choosing which towers will close in a manner that best serves long term aviation community need or safety. I am hopeful that any permanent closures will be evaluated using more thorough methodology.
I can’t say that all control towers should stay open. In fact, I can personally think of a few where the level of enplanements, traffic volume, or the types of activity that once justified a tower changed long ago, and should probably be closed. But I also know that there are places where towers do a great deal to help pilots and their aircraft avoid tragedy.