Dear Senator Kelly,

I was dismayed to read your proposal to expand MOAs in southern Arizona (Sierra Vista Herald-Review 4/5/23). A great many of us here in Portal who voted for you are not happy with this plan to connect airspace over military installations in southeastern Arizona. Most of us also oppose changing the status of Chiricahua National Monument to become a national park. The infrastructure is simply not there—neither within the monument nor in the surrounding area. Please do not pursue either of these plans. (See enclosed letters written by local citizens and a letter to the editor from a Sierra Vista resident)

We are already experiencing the negative impacts (visual and audible) from low-flying military aircraft directly above us (particularly F-16s). Their sudden appearance and deafening noise scare wildlife, livestock, pets, and us humans, too. Our community and nearby mountains offer peace, solitude, and refuge not readily found elsewhere. Those that visit are often profoundly moved by these attributes and recognize the urgent need to protect them. If you have never been to Portal, I invite you and your wife to come experience this unique and biologically diverse paradise. I would be honored to assist in making arrangements for your visit.

If you want to do something positive for Cochise County, please stand up and speak out in defense of democracy. Since the 2022 midterms, five election-related lawsuits have been filed against our two county supervisors, Tom Crosby and Peggy Judd, and Recorder David Stevens. Democracy is on the docket here, Senator Kelly. Your colleagues, Representative Raúl Grijalva and former SOS (now Governor) Katie Hobbs, along with notable attorneys Terry Goddard and Rick Romley have all had the courage to call out this trio for their unethical behavior and unlawful actions. (See enclosed letters) I respectfully ask that you do the same.