An issue that always has struck me as odd about Arizona’s congressional delegation is just how partisan it has become. I have repeatedly asked lawmakers over the past five years, “How often do the Democrats and Republicans come together to discuss and then act on issues of common concern to Arizonans.” Their answer? Almost never.
That wasn’t always the case. Arizona’s political giants of the past used to be proud of their ability to set aside party politics and work together. This was part of the legacy of Carl Hayden, Ernest McFarland, Barry Goldwater, and Mo and Stewart Udall.
I’m not saying party politics are evil. Political parties help to define the choices and possible policy directions for voters. But there are moments and issues that should transcend, or stand outside, of partisanship. Without a doubt, the Central Arizona Project never would have been built if the state had relied on only half (or less) of its congressional delegation to get the job done.
Well, Arizona’s current crop of federal lawmakers have finally found at least one topic where everyone can pull in the same direction. All 10 of Arizona’s senators and representatives have signed a joint letter urging the Air Force to select Luke Air Force Base in the West Valley as the future training site for pilots of the F-35 Lightning fighter jet. You can read the full letter by clicking on the image above. It was provided by the office of Rep. Trent Franks.
Currently, Luke is the final stop for all Air Force pilots who learn to defend the skies on the wings of the F-16. So, supporters of Luke believe the air base should keep that role when the Fighting Falcon is replaced by the F-35.
But the push to bring the Lightning to Luke isn’t universally popular. El Mirage has been challenging the selection of Luke because of potential noise pollution. And state efforts to keep development of surrounding property from limiting the air base’s viability has created huge problems for landowners who can’t build or sale their land.
But the issue has brought together Arizona’s congressional delegation in favor of F-35 training at Luke. I wonder if this is any sign of more bi-partisan efforts in future?
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Luke will not get the F35 because Obama did not carry Arizona, that is how it works. If Goldwater would been Senator instead of McCain, Williams AFB would never have been closed. Goldwater would have “back door’d” the Base Closure comission.
The push pull between the State and County relating to the Luke issues does not help, plus the ElMirage folks wanting to have an Environmental Impact Statement (bought and paid for by Fed-DOD) will never fly.
Go to the Bank with my thoughts