Editor:

It is my understanding that both the U.S. House and Senate passed legislation to move forward with the Large Binocular Telescope project on Mt. Graham.

I have followed this issue closely in the press and the importance of this project to our community is clear. One of the best indicators of the project's importance is the near-unanimous support it has received, including:

• The U.S. House and Senate

• The entire Arizona Congressional Delegation over the last 12 years

• The U.S. Forest Service

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

• The Arizona Game and Fish Department

• Nearly all of Arizona's major newspapers

• The Tucson 30 and many other local businesses

• The vast majority of students at the university

• and a tremendous outpouring from the general public.

In fact, one would have to search wide and far to find another issue that has received such widespread community, business and governmental support. The people have spoken - it is time to end this debate and get on with constructing this important educational, economic and scientific project.

By V. Eugene Frazier
Mesa