COLLEGE ROUNDUP

* Re “An Endless Holding Pattern,” Valley Edition editorials, Feb. 27.

In your editorial about the expansion of the Burbank Airport and the need for compromise, your jab at Burbank City Councilman Bob Kramer, accusing him of lack of leadership, really irritated me. He has always been at the forefront in trying to meet the needs of his constituency in Burbank, which is to try to keep the noise level down from jets late at night so the people can have a good night’s sleep every night.

Apparently The Times editorial staff does not think this is important. I don’t think anyone on The Times’ staff would want to compromise on not getting enough sleep every night. What would you call a compromise in this instance? Does that mean we in Burbank should allow the late night flights every other night as a compromise? I think not.

The Times’ insistent demand that a compromise be reached in this area can only mean one thing to me. That is, it is in The Times’ financial interest to get the new airport built regardless of the needs of the people of Burbank.

RICHARD H. SMITH

Burbank

*

With the city of Burbank’s legal costs [mounting], The Times is totally accurate in decrying the lack of leadership on this issue. The Times is correct in saying it is the flying public that is suffering, as they are crammed like sardines into an outdated and overcrowded terminal.

This issue could easily be settled and a new, modernized terminal constructed with the right kind of pressure applied from the local business community. A key player is the Burbank Chamber of Commerce. Unfortunately, over the last few years the Chamber has adopted a low-key, neutral position with regard to the Burbank Airport.

With costs to the city’s taxpayers escalating, and a crowded terminal dangerously close to the runways, strong leadership is in desperate need.

JOE HOOVEN

Burbank