The following letter was sent to Max Vekich & Rob Holland, candidates for the Port of Seattle Commission, by Dan Caldwell. We thought it would be of interest to the rest of you.
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The CEO of the Port of Seattle and the Director of the Airport Division screwed up badly by misusing the third runway for both takeoffs and landings during rebuilding of the first runway and anticipated rebuilding of the second runway. They failed to properly notify the concerned citizens and failed to provide alternative housing or sleeping arrangements during this construction.
The result is that the citizens and voters in the area are once again up in arms over the conduct of the Port of Seattle.
The airlines have losses exceeding $10 Billion this year. Because of this loss the FAA is asking that airports substantially cut their landings fees. This might be the time to consider closing the third runway after the repairs on the second runway are completed. The third runway is kind of a silly goose, as it is too short and airline traffic cannot use the first and second runway while on the ground aircraft are moving to and from the terminal. Closure could save up to 1/3 of your field costs and give the FAA their requested cut.
The Times headlined that the CEO Tay Yoshitani was up for a 10% ($33,400) COLA raise to make his salary $367,400. He indicated that he was not interested in the raise but did not explain why he had his paid staff present the offer to the Commission! There is also some concern that he did not effectively respond to the wasted millions reported by the State Audit, did not demonstrate any savings by hiring a Chief Financial Officer, and that many of his new programs were carry over's from the previous CEO.
You are strongly urged to attend and possibly speak at two public meetings of concerned citizens.
The first is Tuesday night, September 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the State Criminal Justice Training Commission Auditorium (Police Academy), 19010 - First Ave. S., Burien.
The s'econd meeting is a Candidates' Night sponsored by C.A.S.E., which will be held in the Commissioners' Room, the Highline School District Administrative Office, 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien, on Wednesday October 7, 2009, from 7 to 9 pm
These two meetings are important, as the Airport represents over two-thirds of the size and revenue of the Port of Seattle.
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Kudos to Dan Caldwell for saying it straight up.
ReplyDeleteWe strongly support Max Vekich and Rob Holland for Port of Seattle Commission because they understand the impacts of constant jet noise on our property values and piece of mind. Vekich and Holland will fight for more funding for noise abatement and alternative flight paths. Vekich and Holland are not taking money from developers and other port insiders, they will represent community interests instead.
Port Reform volunteers will be at the September 29 event, handing out information. Say hello!