Times/News

The third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport will probably be used for some airplane take-offs as well as landings, according to Port of Seattle Commissioner Pat Davis.

She made the comment on Sept. 7 during a forum for Port commission candidates sponsored by Citizens Against Sea-Tac Expansion (CASE).

The runway will primarily be used for landings during bad weather, "but at some point experts say take-offs might be possible," Davis noted.

All candidates at the debate were asked if they would consider halting third runway construction if Southwest Airlines leaves Sea-Tac.

Some didn't answer directly, but Christopher Cain was the only Port of Seattle commission candidate to say he would favor stopping construction.

Ten candidates running for three seats on the Port's governing body appeared at the CASE forum.

CASE has been engaged in a long battle with the Port, operators of Sea-Tac, over the airport's third runway and other expansion plans.

Ironically, it was announced at the meeting that CASE, the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs (RCAA) and the Port had recently signed an agreement not to appeal a Department of Ecology water runoff permit for the airport.

RCAA, a private group opposed to Sea-Tac expansion, favors finding a site for a second regional airport.

CASE President Brett Fish hailed the agreement signing as a "historic occasion."

Position 1 incumbent Lawrence Molloy faced off against challenger John Creighton at the CASE forum. Wen Wu Lee, also seeking Molloy's seat, did not attend.

In the crowded race for Position 3, being vacated by Paige Miller, Cain, John R. Kane, Richard "Rich" Berkowitz, Lloyd Hara and Peter Coates spoke to the CASE crowd.

Position 4 incumbent Davis joined challengers Robert Walker and Jack Jolley at the debate. Richard Pope was absent.

After a couple candidates talked about the Southwest Airlines situation without mentioning the third runway, Cain declared, "I'm just going to answer the question.

"I have always been opposed to the disaster of the third runway. It is an environmental disaster and socially horrible.

"The third runway is a microcosm of the deceit, power and greed of the Port."

Kane, an environmental consultant, said a move by Southwest to Boeing Field would be an environmental mistake. Environmental standards on the third runway are "set in stone," according to Kane.

Coates said Southwest will not move, partly because King County taxpayers would refuse to pay for improvements to Boeing Field.

His first agenda item upon becoming a Port commissioner would be to find a way to keep the airline at Sea-Tac, Hara said.

He suggested that regional air travel be spread to Pierce or Snohomish counties.

Berkowitz, a former policy analyst, said he would consider voting to shut down the third runway if a good enough policy argument is made.

But he suggested that canceling the runway might not be in the best interests of the Highline community.

The move could threaten noise mitigation money to Highline schools and the extension of light rail to the city of SeaTac, Berkowitz said.

Whatever happens with Southwest won't change bad weather around the airport which is the primary reason for the runway, Davis said.

"The airlines have agreed we need the third runway," Davis added.

Walker said, "It doesn't make a lot of sense at this juncture to stop construction."

Most construction costs are at the beginning of a project with design and planning, Walker added.

Jolley disputed Davis' claim that 40 per cent of Sea-Tac flights are delayed.

This year, only 10 per cent of flights have been delayed and only a quarter of those have been because of weather, Jolley maintained.

Jolley said an increase in air travel would quickly make up for any losses to Sea-Tac by a Southwest move.

Molloy, the Position 1 incumbent, said he would not consider stopping the runway construction. The runway is part of the airport's comprehensive plan, he said.

Creighton said the Port got in the position of losing Southwest because of "arrogance."

He said Southwest is using Boeing Field as leverage in negotiations with the Port.

In introductory remarks, Creighton said Port commissioners "need to represent everyone, not just downtown Seattle interests."

Molloy noted the Port runs a good airport but "we need to treat the community with respect."

Kane characterized himself as centrist but added, "what I am about is change."

Coates said he is a construction union officer who strongly favors airport expansion and the jobs it brings. However, as a Port commissioner, "I'm still going to talk to you," he told the CASE members.

Hara, former Seattle City treasurer, said Port staff must become more accountable and suggested holding commission meetings in communities.

Cain, a CASE member from SeaTac, declared, "Talk is cheap, political rhetoric is expensive.

"I have proven to this community that I have determination and resolve. You are under attack. Be very careful."

Berkowitz said he has the policy analyst skills and business experience to "wean" the Port of Seattle off its tax subsidy.

Davis, the Position 4 incumbent, said she is proud of her efforts to work out an agreement for noise insulation in 15 Highline schools.

"I have been a change agent that bought a faded airport into a better position," Davis said.

Walker termed himself, "the candidate you haven't heard of" because he does not take campaign contributions.

Jolley, criticizing Port spending, quipped "We need a safe airport, not the Taj Mahal. The bathrooms are nicer at Sea-Tac than in Microsoft board rooms."

The primary election is September 20. The commission races will be whittled down to two candidates for each position.

Eric Mathison can be reached at hteditor@robinsonnews.com, or at 206-444-4873.