Echoing sentiments throughout the community, the Fort Wayne City Council on Tuesday signed a letter in support of the National Guard base in Fort Wayne.

The letter, prepared by Councilman Geoff Paddock, D-5th, states the importance of the A-10 aircraft, which could be retired locally because of reductions in the federal defense budget.

“The citizens of Fort Wayne support the continued existence of the A-10 aircraft as an integral component of ensuring the 122nd fighter unit continues to fly missions out of Fort Wayne,” the letter reads.

All members signed the letter except Councilman John Crawford, R-at-large. The absence of his signature doesn’t signal opposition to the base, he insisted, but instead follows his policy of not affixing his name to a statement he hasn’t fully researched. He said he hasn’t thoroughly examined the federal defense budget to know if the A-10s are best for Fort Wayne and that nation.

“If I haven’t studied an issue, I don’t take a position on it,” he said.