Friday, Oct. 20, 2006 | Given the defense authorization bill signed by President Bush on Tuesday, prohibiting any joint-use ventures within San Diego’s military bases, unanimous opposition by the region’s Members of Congress against Miramar as a practical airport solution as well as the excessive negative impacts that would occur against military efficiency, the local economy and quality of life, Proposition A should fail by a landside come November 7th.
Post-election day, the focus within San Diego should return to an expansion and revitalization of Lindbergh Field to maximize capacity and efficiency over the decades to come and then look to a new body to replace the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. One that I would hope can be entrusted to be slightly more practical and effective. Recognizing the applaudable efforts of Christine Kehoe to consider replacement options the SDCRAA, as mentioned in Logan Jenkins’ Oct. 2 Article “No matter the vote, Prop. A result is a definite maybe,” San Diego must first focus on making Lindbergh work in the long-term and then focus attention and consideration for non-military airport opportunities that will assist in providing for the long-term sustenance and viability of San Diego’s airline and tourism needs.