GAO Decison and Fourth of July Remarks

Yogi Berra was famous for saying, “It’s not over till its over.”  This phrase has become a motto of individuals who refuse to quit despite overwhelming circumstances in athletics, in the business world, and in life.  This past week, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) showed the validity of this statement in its decision to suggest the reopening of the Air Force tanker bid. For those who may not know, the Boeing and Pratt and Whitney corporations recently were defeated by a foreign competitor for a lucrative $35 billion contract with the United States Air Force. Following the Air Force’s decision, the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce joined our state’s Congressional Delegation and union members from the Pratt facility in order to protest the decision.  We became involved because Boeing’s bid included engines made by Pratt and Whitney’s Middletown facility and would have been a tremendous boost to the line operating there. Not only would those in the state benefit from the initial manufacturing demands of the contract, but they would also benefit from the necessary aftermarket service and repair work on those same engines.  Because of this necessity, it is reasonable to conclude that this County and state of Connecticut will benefit from this contract for years to come. The GAO’s decision is positive news for the Pratt and Whitney plant here in Middletown and all of Middlesex County.  We commend our Connecticut Congressional Delegation and our state and local leaders for their hard work during this important process.  Now, there is independent and unbiased confirmation that major fundamental errors were made during this competition.  As a community, we urge the Air Force to act on the GAO’s recommendations and reopen the contract. Thus far, huge thanks should be given to our Connecticut Congressional Delegates: the Honorable Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman along with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Congressmen John Larson, Joe Courtney, Chris Shays, and Chris Murphy.  These tremendous leaders represent this state with its best interests at heart. The GAO was able to arrive at such a conclusion from its findings of misleading and unequal discussions with the bidders on the part of the Air Force.  According to the committee, Boeing/Pratt was not advised of a key change of the Air Force’s assessment of the corporation as a viable candidate for the contract.  Since the company was not advised of this change, it was unable to act in a timely fashion. If the Boeing/Pratt bid was defeated on a level playing field, there would not be a reason to complain.  However, the findings of the GAO study are convincing evidence that this process was not an equitable one. Showing the support from leaders outside of Middlesex County, both John McCain and Barack Obama voiced their support of the bid reopening movement.  Without question, we are proud to stand with our local and national leaders and the men and women of Connecticut who will assemble the engines for this plane, and seek a fair process as we move forward. As we proceed further, it is very important to examine the issue from somewhat of a broader perspective.  As we in the County prepare for our Fourth of July celebrations, we all look forward to the various cookouts, barbeques, and gatherings that we will hold amongst our family and friends.  Indeed, in Middlesex County and elsewhere, this is one of the busiest weekends of the summer season. Amidst the planning and preparation for the many enjoyable activities that have become traditions of this weekend, it is important to acknowledge the foundations of this national holiday.  The highly-debated Air Force tanker issue serves as a case in point to the meaning of the Fourth of July. I will stop short of a full history lesson, as we all are aware that this great nation was founded on the basis of democracy.  As such, we are a nation that prides itself on the right to free speech, even if that speech includes criticism of the government.  Provided this criticism is educated, we all have the ability to raise our voices in order to improve our governing bodies.  How lucky we all are to enjoy such freedom. With this said, there have been times when the nation responded to threats to this freedom.  Men and women from all branches of our military have, and continue to serve this country in order for everyone to maintain this way of life that includes the freedom of speech. Every man and woman of our armed forces devotes time and effort, while some pay the ultimate cost with his or her life.  While we anxiously await the end of the current conflict in Iraq, we are thankful for the sacrifices that our present day servicemen and women make as well as for the sacrifices made by those who have come before these individuals. Locally, we are able to enjoy all the great things that Middlesex County has to offer because of these men and women.   I urge you all to do exactly this during the upcoming weekend; find leisure in the many great things that the County has to offer.  In particular, be sure to take a trip to the river in Middletown to enjoy one of the greatest fireworks displays in the state as a nice way to begin your holiday festivities on Thursday.  For those of you looking to begin celebrations a bit earlier, the Water’s Edge Resort plans a terrific fireworks display for tomorrow night in Westbrook. Truly, all of our war veterans and current servicemen and women should be celebrated this weekend. For more information on Chamber activities, please contact Matt Fraulino at (860) 347-6924 or email him at

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