The Jefferson County Board of Legislators, in lock step, approved renovation of the Watertown International Airport lobby for Cape Air service on or before this September. Hasn't this august body read or heard that airlines are consolidating, raising fares, declaring bankruptcy and cutting schedules? The energy crisis is here. It defies credulity that this puddle-jumper airline can make it. Petroleum is now becoming increasingly dear.

You would have thought this $600,000 would be better spent assisting the community in establishing energy self-sufficiency and energy survival by developing our abundant renewable energy resources. There is a supply issue with oil. Price is going out of sight. By 2015, or before, the use of oil will be impracticable. Anybody around here conscious?

Renewable energy is not only energy survival, it is a moneymaking proposition. First of all we need conservation. Then we develop hydro, wind, solar, biomass and geothermal. This is happening worldwide. We have exceptional resources. Where is the leadership? Our just retired state senator was head of the state Legislature's energy committee. What did he do for our energy independence? Nothing.

David Graf

Watertown