F-35 jet opponents hold rally
MADISON (WKOW) – People who oppose the F-35 jets coming to Madison will get a hearing Sunday afternoon, even though it’s a done deal.
Several environmental and religious groups gathered at the state capitol and then moved to Demetral Park to tell lawmakers they don’t want F-35 jets in Madison.
Brian Benford, District Councilor 6, said, “In this town we don’t want those terrible weapons.”
Vicki Berenson turned down the F-35 jets in Madison, saying, “We can try to get rid of them. You know, it’s not safe for our community.”
Last April, the Wisconsin Air National Guard decided that the 115 Fighter Wing at Truax Field would house the fighter jets.
Col. Erik Peterson, Commander, 115th Fighter Wing, said, “I am pleased to announce that the Air Force Secretary has appointed the 115th Fighter Wing as the US Air Force’s 5th Operations Wing to operate the F-35A Lighting Two Aircraft This choice is an honor. “
But opponents say they are not backing off.
Event organizer Tim Cordon said, “We need to build more resistance, more protests.”
Protesters say they will continue to reject these jets because they are noisy and could pose potential environmental hazards.
Cordon said, “I’ve been told that they will be making an average of 14 flights a day, on an average day they will be making a lot of noise.”
Supporters say the placement of the fighter jets at Truax Field will create more jobs and have a huge economic impact in the city.
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is among the supporters of the F-35 coming to town.
It issued a statement that read in part: “We need jobs more than ever. We need economic investment more than ever.”
Benford asked, “Is that a false economic promise. Is that more important than human life? Our neighbors live here in Madison City? I would say absolutely not.
The first F-35s are scheduled to arrive at Truax Field in April next year.
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