Business people support the airport

Re: Park would benefit more, cost less, by Thomas W. Reese, Oct. 19.

Mr. Reese's statement that the airport is a fenced, limited-access facility could apply to any airport. Does he think people should be allowed to wander onto the runways in the path of landing aircraft?

At any public airport of any size, you will find the number of aircraft housed in hangars at the airport to be minuscule in comparison with the number of aircraft coming in and out of the airport. Albert Whitted is an important transportation facility, with more than 100,000 takeoffs and landings each year. Businessmen fly in and out of the airport, bringing vital commerce to the city. Pleasure flights bring in tourists seeking what our city has to offer, spending money here and telling others about us. BayFlite helicopters are based at the airport, as are the Civil Air Patrol aircraft, which are extremely important for our safety. And speaking of safety, has Mr. Reese given any thought to how crucial our airport will be when the big hurricane hits Pinellas County as it surely will? The local airport in Homestead was the savior of thousands during Hurricane Andrew, rushing supplies in and people out.

Please get a clue, Mr. Reese. The business people of our city support the airport in a big way. (Witness all the signs up and down Fourth and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. streets.) Why? Because they know that a city that would willy-nilly toss away a facility as important as an airport must be seen by the world as a city of idiots, destined to become just a bedroom community of the real cities growing all around it.

Park could be a financial drain

Re: Albert Whitted debate.

I come from the Milwaukee area, which has had over the years perhaps one of the best county and city public parks systems in the country. The county golf courses are so nice that nationally televised PGA Tour golf tournaments have been held at them. Not to mention the nationally heralded zoo, beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and other attractions.

Now Milwaukee, like so many other metro areas, is in a financial crisis. The pristine parks are a huge cost center for the city and county. Long-time county and park employees are being laid off left and right. The only places holding their own are the zoo and golf courses, and that is because they charge a fee to enter or play, sell refreshments, souvenirs, etc. They are profit centers.

However, now they are being drained financially as well because money they bring in is being diverted to fund the other parks and county activities that do not generate any revenues and cost the already overburdened taxpayers to keep up.

I suggest that St. Petersburg voters need to look long and hard about turning the Albert Whitted Airport property into a park, of which there are already many in St. Petersburg. And think about costs and profits and create a facility/attraction for the future of St. Petersburg that will not only pay for itself but attract new people, business and revenues to the area.

Park could be more than green space

I think people are focusing too narrowly on the issue of an airport versus a waterfront park of nothing but green grass. I can visualize numerous possibilities for the park such as an amphitheater, mini-amusement park that families can enjoy, fountains, playground, etc.

To satisfy the fans of the historical significance of the airport, why not allot space for an indoor air museum?

These are just few of the multiple uses for everyone to enjoy, not just a small minority of pilots.

Whitted is base for "compassion flights'

As a point of information, general aviation airports such as Albert Whitted serve as home base for volunteers flying medical and compassion flights throughout the Southeast. They are coordinated through Angel Flight Southeast, a volunteer organization based in Leesburg, and are flown in four- to six-seat private aircraft.

Free air transportation is provided for appointments and procedures involving diagnosis, consultations, evaluations, treatments and surgery. Without the accessibility and support facilities of local airports such as Albert Whitted, such activities would be seriously curtailed.

It seems unconscionable that any group of thinking, civic-minded individuals would consider abandoning this fine facility in downtown St. Petersburg. With community support, it will become a further attractive asset to an already outstanding waterfront.

Gas tax hike is necessary and fair

Re: Gas tax hike will fuel road projects, by Bob Stewart, Oct. 12.

I agree with Commissioner Stewart's article on increasing the gas tax to alleviate traffic congestion with new and improved roads, bridges, etc. Such is an economic requirement. The cost of progress must be fairly paid. Funding must be acquired systematically according to proper criteria of tactical taxation and expediency taxation. Fair taxation requires proper directives for the entire inner structure. As I see it, our state sails under the flag of fairness. Other states have exorbitant taxation policies that entail much waste. California is but one obvious example. To thwart fair taxation is to thwart progress, such as a needed mass transit system.

Case can be made for gas tax hike

Re: Gas tax hike will fuel road projects, Oct. 12.

Commissioner Bob Stewart's indirect advocacy of a Pinellas County gas tax increase of some undetermined amount is just as likely to "fuel" strong opposition among a swath of county voters. However, there is a compelling case to be made for some increase in the current gas tax and that additional funds serving our transportation needs will benefit economic growth and public safety. It all depends on how effectively the county makes its case, apportions benefits across the county, identifies priority projects that are evident to taxpayers and ensures that the new funds will be used exactly for the projects identified. Unfortunately, a gas tax increase is regressive in relation to the low-income resident and addresses transportation problems that are already well ahead of whatever amount might be raised.

Stewart writes about a significant problem and a priority. Yet others might suggest that covering care of the medically indigent, the frail elderly or other abiding social problems are top priorities, too. It should be clear that his guest column already enjoys some political support since the idea is not merely being floated. As the process proceeds I hope the evidence convinces residents that a gas tax increase is in order and that once settled, implementation occurs apace because in our densly populated county it is becoming less efficient, timely and safe to drive with the status quo transportation infrastructure.

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