Voters in the communities surrounding Sea-Tac International Airport have a near once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to "throw the bums out" and vote for a new majority of Port commissioners that could truly change our lives and futures for the better.

On Wednesday, September 7, from 7 to 9 p.m., C.A.S.E. will host a "Port commission candidates forum" at the Highline Administration building, 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W.

You are urged to attend this important event to hear the candidates' positions on the third runway, their visions for our communities, environmental mitigation and current financing issues.

One huge issue, as everyone must have heard by now, is Southwest Airlines' proposal to move its service to King County International Airport (Boeing Field) and spread the "Southwest effect" to Seattle.

Some members of the current Port commission and staff have pulled every crummy PR stunt in the book, calling in every IOU they have to block this proposed move.

One candidate had the courage to utter the words "let the market place decide" at a recent forum. There is hope!

If Southwest stays at Sea-Tac the Port will have a mandate to continue spending billions of taxpayer dollars and will almost certainly raise our property taxes by huge amounts to pay the interest on the debt.

It only takes three of their votes to do so, costing us millions more with no oversight. This means grossly inflated air fares and a reduction of competition at Sea-Tac.

If Southwest moves to Boeing or Paine Field, the Port will be forced to immediately cut its spending, thus saving all the airlines millions of dollars in excessive landing fees and charges. Air fares should drop significantly with the increased competition.

Collectively, we can change our futures.

Brett Fish

SeaTac

CASE Presiden