A6 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, April 23, 2003 Runway plan makes no sense Dear Sir: The past several years have been gloomy for the economy of the northcoast, Terrace included. One bright spot has been the successful start-up of a vi- brant regional airline, Hawkair, which has brought great service, the safest airplane in commer- cial aviation, skilled northern pilots, consistent-. ly fair prices for the ser- vice, and a 100 new “jobs, 60 in Terrace. Not to mention forcing Air Canada to lower their prices (remember the good old days when a full fare ticket to Vancouver ex- ceeded $1,000.). So why do our local leaders seem hell bent on interfering in this success story? Those that support the proposed runway exten- sion, like our usually more thoughtful mayor, Jack Talstra, offer platitudes that competition is healthy . and in the next breath propose a subsidy to West- jet using our increasingly scarce lax dollars. Is this fair competition? How profoundly stupid is this? Hawkair's owners, on the other hand, have of- fered convincing. proof that this is a bad idea, based on the hard experience of other communities with Westjet, and their own knowledge of the airline industry in B.C. which, not surprisingly, far exceeds that of cily council, and unfortunately, the airport society. If Westjet wants to come to Terrace, let them make the investment. Let’s see how serious they are CORRESPONDENCE FOR THE TERRACE STANDARD The Mail Bag about providing service in the north. More disappointing is the stated desire to draw Westjet-travellers to Ter- race from Smithers and Rupert. Are we so desper- ale that we believe the only way to build Ter- race’s economy is to dam- age those of neighbouring ‘communities? : Is it so hard to under- stand that there are only so many people needing to fly to Vancouver, and that the pie is only so large? Expect. the towns of Smithers. and Prince Ru- pert to speak out strongly on this issue, as they shouid. Alternatively, we could . all, including’ our local government, support Haw- skair in this, with the ex- pectation that they would then continue their pheno- menal growth, providing more jobs, and establish- ing Terrace as the regional center for a vibrant regio- nal airline industry. Sooner, rather than later, we would likely see Hawkair investing in lar- ger, faster versions of the Canadian-made Dash 8, with even better service. Seems like a plausible and doable regional eco- nomic strategy based on diversifying our local economy. Something local Spend money on rink instead of a runway Dear Sir: How can the people of the Terrace-Kitimat airport think that making the runway longer for Westjet is in their best interest. CP Air, PWA, Canadian-Airlines, had no problem. Spend your money “elsewhere. It would be better spent an your ice rink. Be Happy with Hawkair and Jazz. Westjet will do Terrace and Kitimat a service that is not worth the cost of the work to lengthen the runway 1 live in Richmond, B.C. now but used to live in Ter- Trace, Norm Stackhouse, Richmond, B.C ‘tawards retirement succest. 1 For information or to reserve a seat please contact Terrace & District Credit Union 635-7282 governments have been unsuccessfully struggling with for years. Instead, we have them doing their best to damage the one demonstrable bright spot in our economy. Sometimes elected offi- cials need a heads up -when they are considering something profoundly stu- pid. Now is the time to show up at ‘city council | and give them that heads up, before-it’s too late-and they really screw up. It’s” our money, and our town, and our airline. . Bruce Hill, Terrace, B.C. Bring on Wal-Mart Dear Sir: Recently my daughter, granddaughter and my- self were shopping in a local store. While looking we were discussing prices in other places as well as on the net. When totally out of control, and out of nowhere burst the owner. In a rage he accused us of being responsible for lack of sales, poor economy, etc, Shocked and shaken and dumb founded, we left the premises, leaving $100 worth of merchandise on the counter. This is where I spend an average of $100 per month. But no more, The fear instilled in my granddaughter will not soon be forgotten.. Perhaps when you are a monopoly you can do this, but I won't -return.-I' will shop on the net or out of town. Unless Wal-Mart brings me choices. «Hazel. Marcil, Terrace, B.C, Northwest Smile Design Center Oy. P.AL Okini, be. Fri Dery Ful Face Orfeics,TML ® Serving the Northwest for 10 yeors » Full Face Orthodontit Cara © Invisalign « the invisable breves » LMJ. Treatment * Porcelain Crowns and Veneers © Teeth Whitening (Bleaching) © Lotex Free Olfice Dr. Peter. A. Okimi . 200-4619 Park Avenue, Terrace, B.C. 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