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John MacGovern on Homeland Security |
Burlington and its surrounding area is the most densely populated section of Vermont. It is the most likely area to attract the economic growth our state needs in order to expand the tax base that is so vital to Vermont's fiscal health. Would the introduction of the F-35 be consistent with those facts? The US Air Force's Draft Environmental Impact Statement itself indicates it is an inappropriate basing for this area. Aside from any considerations of civilian safety, there is the fact that F-35 produces much more noise than the F-16 currently flown by the National Guard.
[It is] hauling pork back from Washington--buried in the Pentagon budget among non-crucial items.
MacGovern said he was strong on defense and supported the role of the National Guard in Vermont and the nation, but the upcoming decision that could result in the planes being based in Vermont would be bad for the community and the military because the planes are so noisy they could disrupt lives and drive down property values.
"I believe one needs to look at this matter with the cold, sober facts, not emotion, not partisanship, what is in the best interests of this community here, but also this country," he said. "It's not in the public interest to have the F-35 at the Burlington International Airport." He said it could be bad for the military because of the restrictions placed on pilots to minimize the noise of the planes. Sanders disagreed.