Local BRAC reactions

What they’re saying

“For the majority of people, it’s just a slow death.”

— Gene Weber, an Air Force retiree, on BRAC’s decision to keep Cannon open, but move its planes and personnel

“I graduated from Eastern New Mexico University 20 years ago. I hope and pray Cannon is not closed. I have not forgotten the kindness of people in Clovis and Portales.”

— John Connolly of Los Angeles, via e-mail

“I don’t know why they would just leave the base in limbo. I grew up in a military town, and Clovis is based on Cannon. It may not affect me financially, but I will be losing a lot of friends. It is going to be scary if Cannon closes, but then again so are gas prices.”

— Mike Jouett,

Clovis firefighter

“I am absolutely convinced that once this BRAC is behind us that it can very well be a new ballgame. We’re going to look at the entire military, not just the Air Force, for possible uses for Cannon. Secondly, and maybe even firstly, they’re going to find out from me in any way I can that I think this was wrong and they better fix it. ... I don’t want to build up anybody’s spirits saying I’m going to do this or do that. I just want to say I will do whatever the lay of the land justifies.”

— U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., on his plans for

convincing the Defense Department to find a new

mission for Cannon.

“Truth is, circumstances are changing fast for our military and the needs of our military are changing fast ... so there are a lot of potential missions that we could argue would be appropriate (for Cannon). We’re also hoping they’ll take a serious, sober look at Cannon’s capabilities compared to capabilities elsewhere and make a judgment that this is the ... best option for them to choose for some of these future missions.”

— U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., on his belief that Friday’s BRAC ruling that delays Cannon’s closing is good news for eastern New Mexico.

“I think they will keep Cannon open in a limited capacity. It is going to greatly affect me financially, because of investments I have made.”

— Joe Haseloff, Farwell resident, on his concerns before the BRAC ruling was issued on Friday.

“The military would like you to believe they are so important. They don’t contribute that much. They buy their groceries at the commissary tax free. The only economic impact it will have is on real estate holders, those that advertise in the Mach Meter and Clovis Community College losing students.”

— David Ellis,

Clovis resident

“We’ve just got the cake now. We’re going to get the rest of it. We’re going to fight harder now.”

— Teresa Chavez,

a delicatessen clerk

“If we don’t act, nothing will happen. It’s our responsibility to re-energize and focus. If we just sit idly by, this thing will die on the vine.”

— Clovis Mayor

David Lansford

“If this had happened any other place, there would be cause for concern.”

— Clovis Community College President

Beverlee McClure

“We’ve been given new life.”

— Terry Moberly, community leader in fight to keep Cannon

“Where there’s breath, there’s hope.”

— Stacey Martin, president of the Clovis-Curry County Chamber of Commerce

“All along, in my own way, I knew it was just going to happen. We’re blessed. Our town is just blessed.”

— Francisca Garcia, owner of a hair salon, on the Commission decision allowing the base to remain open, at least for now