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The program, billed as the Airport Debate, turned into Destination Lindbergh vs. Destination Hindenburg. Joe Craver, as COD and moderator, did a terrific job. But first, President Dick Troncone, admitting he was glad to be in the right hotel this week, introduced Mike Conner, who gave us some words of wisdom to live a life of significance. Greg Zinser and Larry Showley led us in “America” and Bert Wahlen presented a bit of Rotary lore and the news of the day.
Rotarian, first Hispanic female General, and first female Commanding General of MCRD, BGEN Angela Salinas received some well deserved recognition. She’ll be leaving us next month as she transfers to Marine Corps Base Quantico. Col. Bill Dick waxed poetic on Angie’s many accomplishments within the Corps and her involvement in many San Diego civic and not-for-profit organizations. Two standing ovations conveyed our pride and admiration for a good friend and very dedicated Marine. Semper Fi, Angie.
As COD Joe Craver took the stage and outlined the debate rules, you knew he meant business. Questions were asked, timed responses were monitored, and the contest ensued. For the PRO, Jim Panknin, former Marine, pilot, aviation expert, and board member of San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, defended Destination Lindbergh - - a comprehensive analysis of how to optimize the airport, improve transit to the airport region-wide, and reduce traffic congestion in the vicinity of the airport. See this line for more info. http://www.sanplan.com/Destination_Lindbergh/index.asp
For the CON, Bob Kittle, Editorial Page Editor of the Union Tribune and radio/TV commentator, chastised the plan calling it Destination Hindenburg.
PRO:
This is the first long range plan in the airport’s 80-year history and a blueprint for future improvement and expansion. Each measured step includes an opportunity for community input and involvement and will be measured for ROI with a cost-benefit analysis. If a concept doesn’t make sense, it can be changed or eliminated. Single runway works for San Diego. New airplane technology (787) allows for non-stop overseas travel. The Green Build is series of urgently needed improvements that will handle the 22 million passengers expected by 2020. The Regional Aviation Strategic Plan identifies workable strategies to improve the performance of the regional airport system in San Diego County.
CON:
With terminals on the north side, gates on the south side, and a long transfer in-between, luggage delays and missed flights are predicted. $12 billion price tag will add costs for passengers and airlines. SD airport could become one of the most expensive in the nation for travelers, which will undermine the tourist industry, the city’s third largest income producer. Airport still only has one runway that will be maxed out within 15 years with lack of capacity for future growth and no plan for a new airport. We should take another look at Miramar. What we’re doing now is just rearranging the deck chairs.
Editor of the Day: Patti Roscoe
Photography by Paul Nestor
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