Three cheers for Kevin Dillon (“Throttle up, ready to go,” Sunday Money and Business, Jan. 20, p F1). If Rhode Island is to prosper, first-rate national and international airline service is a must.

Warwick is not the first city to have strong objections to an expanding airport. In 1966, when I moved to Dallas, there was one airport — Love Field — located entirely within the city in a highly developed residential area. Several years later, thanks to the wisdom and leadership of Dallas Mayor J. Erik Jonsson, the Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Airport came into being. The Dallas economy has prospered ever since, and most persons give credit to the birth and subsequent expansion of D/FW.

Love Field, however, did not go away. Why? Because when D/FW came on line Southwest Airlines started up — flying out of Love Field, where it still flies today. Today, Love Field has as many flights as it did when it was the only airport serving North Texas. Many of the residents complained, lawsuits were threatened, etc., etc. Now, I think you will find that the vast majority of residents are very grateful that two significant airports serve the area. T.F Green’s runway must be extended, and Mr. Dillon may be just what we need to get the job done.

With regard to Providence Pier (“Waterfront promoter has opponents,” Jan. 20, news), assuming the article is fair and balanced, it seems to this observer that both sides — Mr. Conley and the Working Waterfront Alliance — have legitimate concerns. With all of the brainpower in Providence surely a way can be found to solve this problem for the benefit of all concerned — including us taxpayers.

Oh, before I forget, and before I am accused of not being affected by a larger and better airport, my wife and I are in the process of acquiring property in Warwick that is less than two miles from T.F. Green, on which we plan to build our retirement home with lots of space for our grandchildren, two of whom live in Providence.

RICHARD L. WATERS

Pawtucket