Expansion would have positive impact

Comments made by Brian Sullivan in The Herald on Aug. 3, stating that studies show property values and school test scores suffer from jet noise, thereby inferring Paine Field, are false. It is inexcusable for a public official to show such lack of knowledge about commercial aviation and specifically Paine Field.

Paine Field is one of the finest airports in the county which is operating at only 45 percent capacity. Commercial airline flights would increase flight operations by 5 percent.

Brian acknowledged it would be positive on the economic side. You bet it would. Paine Field would provide existing and new companies an opportunity to move many employees and product in a more timely manner. Bottom line: it would help increase our ability to grow our job base with good family wage jobs.

The world is getting smaller and smaller thanks to aviation. Commercial aviation should be the fourth leg of any transportation plan - but where is it? Access to Sea-Tac stinks and is getting slower by the day. Could not Paine Field reduce some traffic and provide a convenience to all our 670,000-plus residents, as well as our businesses? It's time Snohomish County shows some leadership and moves into the 21st century.

HANK ROBINETT

Snohomish