I have read with great interest the debate and discussion that was generated by a recent commentary by Everett City Council member Paul Roberts. As a resident and representative of the people of Mukilteo, I know the issue of Paine Field is both sensitive and highly important to our community. At the heart of Roberts’ commentary is an important point: we need a real vision for Paine Field.
The current role and direction of the airport has been a victim of the stigmatizing nature of potential expansion. At times, advocates of limited and rational expansion, that would serve the interests of the aerospace industry or economic development, are shouted down and ignored because the overall discussion is so fraught with danger. If we are ever to have real vision, local leaders will have to face the danger and come to the table.
This discussion could have taken place through the recent review of the Mediated Role Determination, but instead the agenda of the review panel was hijacked by those with a specific and short-sighted vision. The panel wasted time and taxpayer dollars on a fool’s errand to obtain a legal opinion that reinforced the status quo.
What we really need is a leader who will bring city leaders and county leaders together, providing a neutral space for a constructive dialogue on the future of the airport. As a City Council member from Mukilteo, I have been strongly supportive of expanded aerospace opportunities at the airport, as well as accompanying precision industry, tourism and educational institutions to support the greater Boeing economic center. The recent commentary by Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon (“Boeing 3 years later: Dreamliner to prosperity maker,” Dec. 24) is a potential blueprint for the future of Snohomish County aerospace.
The same discussion should address the remaining elephant in the room: How do we get to Sea-Tac International Airport in a reasonable way? I believe that a dedicated shuttle, like the Fly Away bus program in Southern California, would allow travelers from North Puget Sound to move more efficiently to Sea-Tac. With a terminal near downtown Everett transit connections, passengers would check their baggage and receive a boarding pass in Everett, and the shuttle would transport them directly to the departure terminal.
If we create a vision for the airport, and address the problems that exist today, we can transform an emotional and divisive issue into a win-win that unites our community around an important economic engine.
Marko Liias is a member of the Mukilteo City Council.
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