One Last Push

A third option that has been floating around in recent weeks would seek a compromise: transfer the land to Miami-Dade County but with a restrictive covenant that says the county cannot turn the base into an airport. Under this scenario the county could claim victory by assuming control of the land, and environmentalists would win their battle over the airport.

This Solomon-like solution, however, is opposed by both the county and the environmental community.

Jim DeFede

Monroe County Commissioner Murray Nelson, Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson during the Everglades Coalition meeting

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More About

• Bruce Babbitt
• The White House
• Bill Nelson
• Nature and the Environment
• Environmental Issues and Protection

There is, of course, a fourth option: President Clinton could decide to do nothing and leave the decision on the fate of Homestead to George W. Bush. That option seems unlikely, however, as one official involved in the process told me he was confidant the president would make a decision before leaving office. "We'll all just have to wait," he said.

What do you think?

Let President Clinton know how you feel about the air base and whether it should be turned into a commercial airport. You can contact the White House by calling 800-663-9566 or 202-456-1414. Follow the prompts to a White House comments-line operator, who will register your opinion.

If you wish to send a letter, the fax number is 202-456-2461. Or send an e-mail to: president@whitehouse.gov