The Effort to Retain L.A. Air Force Base

The governor’s recent approval of legislation put forth to assist in the retention of the Los Angeles Air Force Base, located in El Segundo, concludes a remarkable effort undertaken by South Bay cities, chambers of commerce, businesses and residents. No other issue that I have been associated with has so impressively mobilized such a broad representation of our community in pursuit of such an important common objective.

The loss of the base would devastate an already battered Southern California economy. 7,200 jobs would be directly lost at the (Air Force Base) and its affiliate, the Aerospace Corp. An additional 50,000 jobs could likewise be lost in other related employment sectors; moreover, billions of dollars in aerospace and defense contracts would also be in jeopardy.

These potential negative economic impacts warranted this extraordinary effort. I commend the involved parties who supported this legislation and were instrumental in its success. Let us remember in the future that similar efforts can lead to similar results. This must be considered whenever future issues of such vital importance are at stake.

CURTIS R. TUCKER JR.

Assemblyman, 50th District

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