Airport Solution

Your editorial (“Lindbergh Needs a Short-Term Fix,” Aug. 26) is right on target in suggesting that making plans to expand Lindbergh Field to 24 million people would derail the effort to relocate our commercial airport. Nothing derails faster than a complex political solution effort.

Too many of today’s leaders are falling victim to the same old obstacles that have prevented an airport solution for 40 years. We need some vision in this city of ours. Although the majority of the City Council voted to expand Lindbergh, that doesn’t change the fact that Lindbergh can’t cut it as a 21st Century airport. No consultant has been able to craft a plan that will adequately deal with capacity, safety, and noise issues at Lindbergh, because it cannot be done.

It’s time for us to recognize that Sandag’s recommendation for a binational airport is a good one and should be seized upon by our community. Not only can a binational airport meet the criteria for capacity, safety, and noise requirements, but it has the potential to help our two countries better deal with existing border related problems.

We can start to build a solid consensus by demonstrating to the Mexican government the mutual benefits to be derived by both countries, and reject short-term agendas of politicians who are currently trying to derail their own regional council of governments’ wishes.

Thanks to you, L.A. Times, for staying on track and trying to convince our elected officials to do likewise. And thanks also to members of Sandag’s committee who have met with officials in Washington, D.C., and will soon meet with representatives of Mexico. Thanks for not turning your backs on San Diego and showing courage and vision in your pursuit of the airport answer. We’re glad you can all see beyond the year 2000.

NANCY PALMTAG

Sandag Technical Site Selection Committee