Sen. Kissel Praises Gov. Rell for Filing FOI Request to Obtain BRAC Memorandum

State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) today praised Governor M. Jodi Rell for her efforts to obtain a memorandum written by the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Committee’s general counsel that suggests that the Defense Department cannot move Air National Guard A-10 fighter jets from Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks without her permission. The Governor today filed a formal Freedom of Information Act request for all documents prepared for BRAC concerning repositioning of Air National Guard aircraft.

“I would like to offer my thanks to Governor Rell for her efforts to keep the fighter jets at Bradley. I appreciate the Governor’s ongoing leadership on this issue,” said Senator Kissel, who represents Windsor Locks. “This is great news as the state continues to build a strong and convincing case that our A-10 jets ought to remain where they are. Federal law states explicitly that Air National Guard units cannot be moved without the Governor’s permission and these documents should reveal that BRAC’s attorneys concur that the Defense Department would be acting illegally if they move the fighter jets out of Connecticut.”

Senator Kissel was one of several area legislators who wrote a letter to BRAC chairman Anthony Principi in June requesting that BRAC recommend retaining the 118 th Fighter squadron in Connecticut.

Senator Kissel is in his seventh term representing the seventh district, which includes East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.