Mr. Miller:

The irony of your comments is rich. You characterize those of us who care about the expansion of the island airport as being selfish and self-serving while simultaneously lamenting name-calling and finger-pointing.

As you say, the Toronto Islands belong to all residents of Toronto. The fact that the business interests of a private corporation catering to a small, elite class of business travelers can jeopardize the enjoyment and liveability of Harbourfront and the Toronto Island should give all 2.5+ million Toronto residents pause.

Porter Airlines is "hoping" to increase its business to 1.3 million passengers a year, although with planes that are at best half-full, we shall see. In 2008, approximately 280,000 passengers used the airport according to Port Authority financial statements. Figures for 2009 are not yet available, although Porter Air officials have referred to approximately 500,000 passengers in the press.

On the other hand, Harbourfront attract more than 12+ million people every year; 1.2+ million people go Centre Island.

So I ask: Considering the fact there is an outstanding airport at Pearson less then 20 minutes away, why do the interests of a private business matter more than the people who visit Harbourfront or the Toronto Islands every year, or the tourist revenue generated by Harbourfront, or the environmental impact, or the lives of the community residents?

They don't. That's why I care. But if you think that is selfish and self-serving, so be it.

Debra