One of the reasons that Wellington Webb has been such a popular mayor - elected for three terms despite a pledge not to run again in 1999 - is that he knows how to get things done, and has supported business without selling out to them. He's certainly had his share of problems; getting a hotel for the new convention center comes to mind. By putting the city in charge of running the thing, he's opened up virtually unlimited opportunities for graft.

But right now, with United sinking under its own weight, he's smartly opened negotiations with other airlines to step into an void that might open up. The city has already given United a bunch of breaks, like Concourse B, and if United can't deliver, it's time to start looking for others who may be able to. Call it regime change at DIA.