Tuesday, April 28, 1998

Airline competition

With more than 500,000 frequent flyer miles in the past 24 months, all beginning from Abilene Regional Airport, I'd like to offer my views on the service and fare structures available in Abilene.

Since July I have flown from Abilene to San Francisco every week, round trip. I work in San Francisco with a man who makes the same trip from Lubbock every week. I buy my tickets at least 21 days in advance and stay over a weekend to get the price down to $539 per week. He buys his tickets seven days in advance and does not stay over a weekend, yet he pays $350 per week. From DFW to SFO we ride on the same plane. The only difference is the fare from Lubbock to DFW versus the fare from Abilene to DFW.

For him to get from Lubbock to DFW, he must fly approximately twice the distance I do, yet his tickets are cheaper. Why, you might ask? Simple.

From Abilene, I have no choice of carrier. From Lubbock, he has the choice of Southwest, Continental and several others besides American/American Eagle.

Come on Continental! The presence of another serious airline will cause fares in Abilene to drop to a more reasonable level. Witness the fare structure before and after the pullout of ASA. I hope Dallas' Love Field gets opened up, and I'd love to see Southwest flying out of Abilene.

American needs the competition and Abilene needs the service.

ED COVINGTON

Abilene

Via e-mail

Backing Siltman

Bob Siltman has been a public school teacher and administrator in the AISD for many years. We have known Bob as an active, vocal supporter for the both the public school student and classroom teacher for 20 years. He has a long record of speaking before AISD trustees as an advocate for improving the classroom environment and the individual teacher's income.

The Abilene Reporter-News has reported on Bob's concerns involving school related issues in the past. No other candidate offers the years of dedicated service and experience Bob possesses. If the actions of the AISD board are only as good as its members, voting for Bob Siltman should certainly strengthen that most important governing body. Our Abilene schools need his experience so our children can compete effectively, and our school board needs his fair and compassionate approach to leadership.

The AISD budget for 1997 shows a decrease of $1,176,498 to be spent on classroom materials and supplies, compared to the amount budgeted in 1991. Siltman proposes to reverse that trend and to put more money back into the classroom. We intend to cast our Place 4 votes for Bob Siltman. We hope you will, too.

STEPHEN AND BETTIE BROWER

Abilene

Via e-mail

Batts would fit in

I was attending school board meetings when attending wasn't cool. For 20 or so years I have attended many board meetings and have never attended a meeting when I felt the board was a "rubber stamp" board.

I have heard some very healthy and lively discussions among the board members but never one that turned mean.

The Abilene school board must continue being cohesive and respectful to each other. My choice in the Place 4 race is a woman I think would fit right in. Please vote for Yvonne Batts for Place 4, Abilene school board.

ANDY CLEVELAND

Abilene