F35 1st Round Government Listening Sessions (Official)

In a nutshell, here is  what’s what, but let me first say that, unfortunately, I will not be there as many of you know I’m out sick this week 🤒quarantining 🤧 (COVID-19) and of course, I will only attend if I test negative again 😷.

Here’s is what is going on:

The Federal Government has issued a grant to study the issues of the impact of F35s and the directives of 115th Fighter Unit on the neighborhood.

The Project

The project is being sponsored by the Federal Government through a grant  —from the Department of Defense (DOD) to the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (WDMA).

The education and community outreach project is called:

The Madison F35 Community Connection Project (Madison F35 CCP)

The purpose of this project (Madison F35 CCP) is to strengthen the relationship between the Madison community and the 115th Fighter Unit (at Truax Field )through education and engagement;  to participate in and officially take-in information; and to promote and facilitate:

• Education
• Community Engagement 
• Stakeholder Surveys
• Town Hall Meetings
• Online Engagement
  Opportunities
• Key Stakeholder Interviews
• Community Focus Groups
• Community Summit
• Listening Sessions

Admittedly, it’s recognized that this is work that many of you have been doing for nearing a decade.

Frankly, the difference now is that this will be official.  While it’s likely that the gathering of information, assessments and official findings may take a couple more years, hopefully it will lead to real, inclusive, and equitable resolutions.

Although, for many of you, this will feel like you are starting all over again (and maybe in some respects you are) but know that because of your constant voice and your dogmatic elevation of this issue, the government study begins.

So please, bring your data, concerns, proof, input —all things needed to help frame the issues and may just be the key to finding a potential solution.

The Sessions

The first round of listening sessions will be held today through Saturday as follows:

Thursday, February 1
6:00pm - 7:30pm; In-person
 Madison College—Health Education Building (1705 Hartman St)

Friday, February 2
9:00am - 10:30am; In-person
Madison College (1701 Wright Street)

Saturday, February 3
9:00am - 10:30am; In-person
Madison College (1701 Wright Street)

To register for the listening sessions visit www.madisonF35.com

For more information contact:

Leslie Westmont
Project Grant Program Manager
Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs Email: Leslie.westmont@widma.gov

If you cannot attend the sessions be sure to send your comments, questions, concerns and issues to:

David Beurle
Chief Executive Officer (of future IQ)
Defense Sector Engagement, Researchers and Consultants
Email:  david@future-iq.com
612.757.9190

Leslie Westmont
Grant Program Manager (for the Madison F35 CCP Project)
Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs
Email:  Leslie.westmont@widma.gov

If you want me to know what you have sent in, please feel free to cc me on the email.

Alder Amani Latimer Burris
Madison Alder (District 12)
District12@cityofmadison.com
(608)345-8747 (text acceptable)

They’re looking to know things like:

• What specific issues or concerns should the program address in the future?
•  How can the 115th Wing enhance its communication with the community to foster a mutually beneficial relationship?
•  What is your vision of the future of community collaboration with the 115th Wing?
• Overall concerns and information needed around these issues and relationships