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Jetport poised to add Southwest Merger means biggest U.S. carrier in the wings BY DAVID CARKHUFF THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN
It may take a while, but Southwest Airlines is poised to offer service at the Portland Jetport now that AirTran shareholders have approved a merger between the airlines. “It’s a huge deal,” said Gregory Hughes, marketing director at the Portland “I’m hoping Jetport. “Southwest is we have to put the largest domesanother gate on for tic carrier, so it just opens up a multi- them.” — Gregory tude of potential Hughes, marketing for us,” Hughes director at the said Thursday on Portland Jetport the heels of the Wednesday vote by AirTran stockholders to approve the merger at a special meeting in Orlando. AirTran already offers Jetport service, which is vital to a Southwest presence because of gate capacity. Hughes was elated. “All I can see is good, better and best,” he said. see SOUTHWEST page 8
On Oct. 2, the Portland Jetport, shown here in a 2010 file photo, plans to open a new $75 million terminal to handle expanded flights, so look for Southwest Airlines to fill out that capacity, officials said. (DAVID CARKHUFF FILE PHOTO)
Old Port bar owners react to nightlife legislation BY MATT DODGE THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN
Three bills recently introduced into the Maine legislature that would change the laws governing liquor sales, license appeals and all-ages events are garnering mixed reactions from some Old Port bar and restaurant owners. Two of the bills are based on recommendations
by the Nightlife Oversight Committee, a coalition of local bar, restaurant and venue owners organized under the umbrella of the Portland Downtown District over a decade ago. One proposal, LD 901, would bar individuals under the age of 21 from being in Class A lounges licensed to sell alcohol, even if alcohol is not being served during an all-ages event. Another, LD 902,
would require establishments to sell liquor at a profit — targeting events like 25 cent beer nights which some say encourage irresponsible drinking habits. The bills are supported by the Portland Police Department, the Public Safety Committee and underage drinking coalition 21 Reasons. see NIGHTLIFE page 7
Marshall becomes first councilor to seek mayor’s office BY DAVID CARKHUFF THE PORTLAND DAILY SUN
In a press event scheduled for Monday, City Councilor David Marshall is expecting to formally announce his candidacy for mayor of Portland.
“I’m going to explain my vision for the city and just talk about some of the accomplishments I’ve had on City Council,” Marshall said Thursday in an interview. The announcement is scheduled at a press conference 9 a.m. Monday at
Do you remember ‘The Notch’? See Bob Higgins on page 4
City Hall. A registered Green Independent, Marshall is the first sitting councilor to announce a run for the mayor’s office. The mayor’s position, newly created by public vote, is a nonpartisan office and has
Hugs from Libyans See Nicholas D. Kristof’s New York Times column on page 4
attracted a diverse range of candidates. Marshall is part of a field of candidates that include Republican Erick Bennett, who announced last Monday he’s running for mayor. see MARSHALL page 9
Marshall
Imago Theatre: ‘ZooZoo’ puppetry coming to Merrill See the Events Calendar on page 13