Airport issue could take a lifetime to...
Airport issue could
take a lifetime to resolve
Can we resolve the airport issue? The question should be, “In
whose lifetime will it be resolved?”
If the study favors Burbank, it might be too late, without the
grant money, to find an adequate location for a new terminal.
A too-restrictive ballot measure was passed by the citizens of
Burbank. But its wording caused the court to overrule it. The airport
gurus don’t want limitations on their beloved airlines. They probably
live in areas far removed from airport noise.
The 161 study is based on a congressional law passed in the early
1990s that tries to standardize restrictions on the airport and
airlines.
It allows for a result that might suggest an exception for certain
airports where cities are complaining about noise and inadequate
curfews. Burbank is hoping for one of those exceptions. The study is
expensive and time consuming.
To relieve pressure from Burbank and other county airports, we
might have an answer by using Ontario International Airport. It
operates 24 hours a day without the noise curfews or capacity limits
that airports in Burbank, Santa Ana or Long Beach operate under.
About 17,000 acres are available for development of new terminals,
runways and hangers.
In the meantime, we wait for the results of the 161 study and a
possible compromise with FAA Administrator Marion Blakely on our
grant money.
Wesley Greene
Burbank
BWP should consider rate payers before layoffs
The next time Burbank Water and Power applies for a rate increase,
the request should be thoroughly investigated to know where it will
be spent.
Under “Council makes few budget revisions,” published in the May
24 Leader, $120,000 was found in the budget. “The [salary] increases
will be funded by revenue from the past four Burbank Water and Power
increases, which was held in reserve.”
It is admirable to avoid layoffs, but when the money is extracted
from people who have no choice to pay -- some on fixed incomes --
that is going too far.
Don Elsmore
Burbank
Volunteers were shortchanged in Top 50
I didn’t expect to see pages of pictures of paid city employees,
politicians and athletes as the Burbank Top 50. They get plenty of
recognition. Outstanding volunteer citizens are the ones who should
be recognized. Many give a large part of their lives serving humanity
and making Burbank a special city.
I saw about three volunteers mentioned. I selected Julia Larsen
and Larry Stamper, each have donated at least 40 years.
Doris Liljegren
Burbank