Eighteen F-35 stealth fighter jets are set to come to Vermont next year, but on Town Meeting Day, a ballot question with language rejecting the fighters passed with wide support in Burlington. We're looking at what that vote means and what happens next for the F-35s in Vermont.
Fifty-five percent of Burlington voters the basing of the F-35s at the Burlington International Airport. now tasks the Burlington City Council to "request the cancellation" of the F-35 basing decision, and "request instead" alternate "low-noise-level equipment" for the Burlington Air Guard station.
After surviving past council efforts to the fighters and to the site selection process, the Vermont National Guard says the vote won't change their plans to bring 18 F-35s to Burlington starting in 2019.
Vermont Edition? looks at what comes next for the F-35s with guests:
- Sen. Patrick Leahy, recorded on Friday, March 9, 2018.
- Retired Air Force Col. Rosanne Greco, an activist who's opposed the F-35 basing decision.
- Joan Shannon, a longtime city councilor from Burlington's South District.
- Maj. Gen. Steven A. Cray, adjutant general for the Vermont National Guard.
- Jasper Craven, a reporter whose for VT Digger traces the F-35's path to Burlington.
Broadcast Monday, March 12, 2018 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.
