October 07, 2005
Friday PM

I read this and almost choked on my coffee.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly is looking at renaming the airport after U.S. Rep. Don Young.

Borough Assembly Member Jack Shay, with support from other Assembly members, asked the mayor and manager earlier this month to begin lobbying for the name change. Under the proposal, the Ketchikan International Airport would be renamed the Ketchikan Don Young International Airport.

Assembly Member Glen Thompson said Monday that a new name shouldn t be the borough s top priority at the airport. Assembly Member Dave Kiffer said the issue should come back to the Assembly for a vote.

In an interview Tuesday, Shay said he was disappointed by the reaction. He said the idea originally came from state Rep. Jim Elkins, R-Ketchikan.

I intend to pursue it, Shay said. What (Young) has done for us I think deserves recognition.

Shay first broached the idea in April, saying it was a way to acknowledge Young s 33-year effort to help citizens locally and statewide.

An airport name change request needs to go to the state Department of Transportation, and must be in the form of a resolution from a local government, a federally recognized tribe, the Legislature or other organization that represents the broad public interests of the community or area, according to state policy.

After a public review, the state Department of Transportation commissioner makes a final decision on a name change. (www.ketchikandailynews.com)

SO we name a bridge and airport after Young. Ok let's see, How about the Taylor Marine Highway, The governor's house can be called the Murkowski Mansion, oh we can't forget Torgasson: Let see, the town of Torgasson? Sitka can rename to Stedman, Why don't we just rename Alaska to the state of CROONIE or STEVENS?

Bob Allen
Ketchikan, AK - USA

 

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