It's understandable that Hawker Beechcraft wants to cut costs, given how the economic downturn has hammered general aviation. Still, it's frustrating that the company is considering moving much of its work from Wichita to another state or country. Hawker has been a valuable corporate citizen and provided good-paying jobs. But Wichita has also been a good partner with the company, providing skilled workers, tax breaks, and a network of support businesses and research that have helped the company prosper. Wichita and the state need to do what they can to keep Hawker in Wichita, and it was good that Gov. Mark Parkinson met Wednesday with Hawker Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture. Union workers need to be flexible and realistic in their demands. But the company also should recognize how much this city has contributed to its success and try to stay here.
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