Viewpoints
Remain open-minded
by Rick Grams
June 29, 2004
Tuesday
There are many people who maintain a "pro bridge" attitude.
The possible benefits to the community are obvious to many people
in Ketchikan. Just try to cross Tongass Avenue during this time
of year. The streets are crowded with cars, people, and construction.
With the bridge, the community will be able to expand, and grow
from the confines of the sardine can we currently live in.
The news articles portraying
our community in the news concerning the bridge are mostly media
type fallacies. The population is at the 14,000 person level.
The idea of where people live in the Borough or City boundaries
is irrelevant - we all drive down Tongass Avenue at some point
in our day.
Our borough-wide community of Ketchikan has just as much right
to expand and grow as any other community in the country. No
one complained during the 80's and 90's while West Virginia ranked
#1 in receipt of the federal dollar!
Yes - Ketchikan needs to grow.
We need more professional type jobs, we need more businesses
that will compete globally, and we need that larger tax base
of revenue. I want this more than anything for our home. As a
father, I see my teenage kids looking out at the world and hoping
to move away as soon as they are adults. Why? Like many other
people their age (and all ages) - they want one thing - an OPPORTUNITY.
Local people have discussed this issue at length. A bridge to
the airport will provide the needed ability to access Gravina
island and complement the road currently being built between
Ketchikan and Annette Island. (More)
I'll quote a highly respected friend - "Regarding facts,
I'll remain open-minded and wait to read in depth the final Environmental
Impact Statement the Gravina Access Project plans to release
in July."
For the people that do not trust the government reports - remember
it is everyone's government. The people elected in our government
are working to represent all people. While our government is
not perfect, it is the best in the world. I challenge you to
find one better.
Rick Grams
Ketchikan, AK - USA
Note: Comments published
on Viewpoints are the opinions of the writer
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews.
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