Tensions between F-35 jet supporters and skeptics will have another chance to boil over next week, as the Air Force will hold a series of scoping meetings to hear the public’s concerns.

The public scoping process is intended to actively involve citizens and government agencies in helping identify the environmental issues to be addressed in the environmental analysis of the F-35 at Luke. These meetings will provide residents with an introduction to the F-35 and its capabilities and mission. Specific information on how the F-35 will be integrated at Luke as a training facility will also be covered.

Meetings are scheduled in El Mirage and Surprise. The El Mirage meeting will be Tuesday at the RC Roberts Memorial Building at Pueblo El Mirage RV Resort, 11201 N. El Mirage Road. In Surprise, the meeting will be Wednesday at the Communiversity@Surprise, 15850 West Civic Center Plaza. All scoping meetings will begin at 6 p.m.

The Peoria Chamber of Commerce is planning to have a presence at the meeting in El Mirage, putting out a call to its membership to show up en masse in support of the F-35 mission. Luke Air Force Base is a $2 billion annual economic engine, the chamber said in the call to action, an economic engine the West Valley cannot afford to lose.

“As business leaders and residents we can’t afford not to show our support,” the newsletter stated. “We encourage you to invite your employees, business partners, family and friends to ensure a large turnout from the community.”

The chamber is also encouraging people to wear red, white and/or blue T-shirts to drive the point home.

The F-35 fighter jet has become the center of controversy over the past few months, with El Mirage the lone dissenter. While every other municipality in the area has voiced their support for bringing the jet to Luke, El Mirage officials have raised questions. They have expressed concern over the volume of the jets, and what effect noise pollution will have on their community. (from: Your West Valley)