Protect Jobs in High Desert

Here’s a possible scenario for sometime in the very near future:

The Defense Department identifies Air Force Plant 42 as slated for closure, after intense lobbying efforts by city and state officials to save the facility. High-ranking Pentagon sources cite urban housing encroachment on the flight paths as the decisive factor.

For many years, commanders of the Air Force facility have pleaded with local government in Lancaster to protect overflight and noise-sensitive areas. Lancaster residents provide little support for the Air Force position. Thousands of homes were built due to persistent effort of special interests and developers. Apathy and lack of support by most of the population allowed short-term profit to prevail.

About 9,000 jobs are lost locally by the shutdown, costing the California economy close to $1 billion and ending the state’s domination of the aerospace industry.

Now is the last time the citizens of Lancaster can change the direction of development in the area of Plant 42 and prevent the above scenario from happening. Call City Hall and speak to a city councilman or planning commissioner. Leave your message with the city clerk. Protect jobs in Antelope Valley.

FRED BRODISH, Lancaster