Just a quick look at competing Kansas City economic theories from financial power players, activists and all manner of money changers . . .
First, a proposition from a local biz leader:
Kansas City Chamber CEO confident new KCI would stimulate economic growth
Kansas City, MO - As a crucial vote on a new, single terminal plan for the Kansas City International Airport approaches, opponents claim there is no guarantee of a positive economic impact.Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce CEO Joe Reardon disagrees.
And then . . .
Response from Citizens For Responsible Government KC . . .
You decide . . .
imagine a severe economic recession where many people stop flying. that has happened at least once a decade during my lifetime. it was great if one had the money to fly oneself. but airlines and airports come under stress, raising questions about finances.
ReplyDeletesince no city would want its airport to close, taxpayers are inherently on the hook for bailing out an airport, even if its being paid for by flyer-paid fees through tickets.
a scary scenario is something to consider if it might happen: a war in the middle eat raises oil back to $150 a barrel, causing a severe recession and airline finances to crater. but with life still going on, kci would need to remain open and servicing a billion dollars in new debt. there'd be no choice but a taxpayer bailout.
the present lack of volatility has created an illusion of a no-risk world that won't continue forever. recognizing this, a lower-risk airport solution would make more sense.
Great comment. CFRGKC.COM SEEMS TO BE ONE OF THE ONLY GROUPS LOOKING OUT FOR THE FUTURE OF KC. EVEN TODAY ONLY THREE OF THE CURRENT AIRLINES FLYING HAVE NOT BEEN BANKRUPT OR FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY,
ReplyDeleteWe don't kneed billions more in debt...
As you leave home today in your pre-72 Chevy I urge you to not make right turns on red. Don't use your iPhone. Don't stop at Starbucks. Don't use a computer. Live in your same house you lived in in 1972.
ReplyDeleteThe airport needs to be upgraded. While the campaign has not been a good one based upon good acts by the mayor the airport needs to be replaced with one that is for a post 9-11 world.
Good luck KC.
How many airlines has merged or just disappeared over the past four decades? We have NO guarantee that the 500 pound gorilla (aka Southwest) is going to be around in the future. Even the big airlines such as Braniff, TWA and PanAm have vanished, taking their jobs with them. KC needs to remember it's not THEIR future is being mortgaged for short-term gain. Who gains from this massive spending project? Not the ordinary passengers. Not the TEMPORARY jobs they keep screaming about. The now and future taxpayers will certainly not benefit. Fix the airport and vote NO on Tuesday.
ReplyDeletea no vote is a vote for common sense!
ReplyDeleteThat video was awful. I'm voting for the new airport because the opposition is so amateurish.
ReplyDelete