Northeast News
December 16, 2015
Two to one. Sixty seven percent to 33 percent. That’s the margin of people who prefer remodeling the present Kansas City International airport versus dropping the dime for over a billion dollars on the construction of a new one. But much like the toy train streetcar, which through a rigged vote continues to cost the taxpayers of Kansas City millions of dollars, Mayor Sly James, along with his rubber stamp Aviation Department, continue to ignore the will of the people and plow forward on a new single terminal airport plan.

This newsdog says balderdash. This city needs a new airport like a fish needs a bicycle. Even the TSA is coming forward now, saying KCI’s security set-up of multiple entry points is a good idea, noting that the entire airport wouldn’t need to be shut down should a problem arise in one of the security areas. Let’s not forget the convenience factor either, shall we? The program guide printed for KCI’s grand opening back in 1972 touted the new, exceptionally convenient “drive to your gate” method of air travel with tag lines like “100 feet from curb to gate.” Air travel surveys continue to give KCI high marks for customer convenience, as well. This conservative canine also notes the $258 million dollar renovations at KCI done in 2004 that then Aviation Director Russell Widmar said would carry the airport well into the future. Guess that’s all out the window now, huh?

The dog kindly urges that Councilwoman Jolie Justus and her Airport Committee continue to ask the tough questions in regard to the construction of a new, billion dollar facility when renovations to the present facility will maintain customer convenience and security functions, just as well. Let’s have the will of the people represented instead of another legacy project for the mayor and the Aviation Department.