Many other ways to expand economy

In response to Frank Hammer’s letter encouraging the expansion of Paine Field, along with Boeing Field and Sea-Tac, there are many ways to expand our economy that don’t involve decimating several communities to make a buck. Looking at the big picture, allowing commercial flights at Paine Field will improve the bottom line for the airline(s) that would operate there, the owners of the new cheap motels and low budget restaurants chains and all at the expense of the local small business owners who will be pushed out by these chains (a la Home Depot vs. your local hardware store). And that is just the commercial fallout. Try explaining the big picture to the thousands of homeowners who will be effected by lower property values, heightened noise levels, jet fuel smells and the proven detrimental effects on their school-age children.

In the grand scheme of things, we need to set our priorities, and a decent quality of life wins out over industry’s bottom line. Look elsewhere for ways to fight against outsourcing of jobs, foreign countries acquiring U.S. companies and escalating trade deficits. Those successes do not hinge on the commercial expansion of these airports and a letter to your representatives and our present administration in Washington D.C., might prove a more valuable use of your time. Also, isn’t there an airport in Arlington?

Chris Salditt

Mukilteo