I found it supremely ironic the News Tribune had the lack of foresight to endorse U.S. Rep.-elect Chip Cravaack a couple of months ago and then, even before he is sworn in as our congressional representative, the same editorial board complained about some of his ideas, specifically the idea that Duluth doesn't need some of the projects U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar backed and helped make happen (Our View: "Pork? Hardly!" Dec. 5).
Anybody who has flown out of the Duluth airport knows just how much we need a new terminal. It just does not fit the needs of today's passengers. I don't fly a lot compared to some people, but I do pass through our local airport several times a year. Since the events of Sept. 11, with the Transportation Security Administration adopting more and more-stringent rules, things like restrooms on the "secure" sides of airports are real necessities. Those among us who travel with small children or who need quick access to a toilet just before boarding a flight are simply out of luck and must either take the time to go back out of the secure area or wait until they are in the Twin Cities' airport or in the airport of the first leg of their trip. Both options are incredibly inconvenient. Perhaps Cravaack needs to use only the Duluth airport for his flying needs for a while so he can understand the issue.
And perhaps the News Tribune editorial board should have done more research on the candidates before endorsing anybody.
Cravaack also has stated government cannot create jobs. Hmm, what are police officer, firefighter, snowplow driver and other positions if not jobs created by government? Am I wrong that every time a new government-funded construction project is started, jobs are created, and at least indirectly by a governmental body?
Kathy Grosh
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Duluth
