Yes, Mr. Federal Way, there is a serious crime problem in the South Sound region, but have you considered that noise level, along with quality of life, may have a nexus to crime? It is no secret that the South Sound has lower-income housing and a lack of well-paying jobs. Many of our citizens work two or three jobs and commute long distances just to make ends meet. Why shouldn’t our citizens fight to control the quality of life for their homes and their families?

Data from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Port of Seattle (2017 Long Range Plan) indicates that, with new satellite technology, there will be more planes flying lower and louder over our region. I served on the Airport Communities Coalition for 10 years while on the Federal Way City Council and was involved in many discussions with regard to the third runway. Trying to work with the airport and the FAA was extremely frustrating. What this area needs is a second regional airport. Everett’s Payne Field is the logical choice.

It is my opinion that the South Sound mayors should work together with our citizens to call on the Legislature to ask our congressional delegation to finally start working on this.

And no, Mr. FW, I’m not 85, but I do think Federal Way should have an area where older citizens can retire to a planned community with one-story homes. How about the Weyerhaeuser campus?

Linda Kochmar, Federal Way