The Air National Guard's 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson International Airport is one of five locations being considered to house the plane.
Air Force bases in Florida, New Mexico, Idaho and the Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Ariz., are also being considered.
However, some in Tucson are against the jet coming to Tucson, so supporters are providing information to help dispel their concerns.
"The biggest opposition would be the noise," said Tim Amalong, president of the 162nd Fighter Wing Minutemen Committee.
But Donna rae Watson of Tucson Forward, a group against the F-35s, disagrees. She says the F-35 puts out 131 decibels compared to the 115 decibels usually emitted at a rock concert
"The sound of an F-35 is not a pleasant, gentle roar like the F-16 either," she said. "The F-35 emits a wall-piercing shriek that cannot be escaped."
Sollenberger pointed out that there are pluses and minuses to something controversial like the
One advantage is the boost it would bring to Tucson's economy.
"The National Guard unit is a vital part to our economy and culture," Lamb said. "If Tucson were to lose its flying unit, it would lose a lot of jobs."
The Air National Guard unit in Tucson employs approximately 1,000 full-time employees as well as 400 to 500 people who work one weekend per month, according to Maj. Gabriel Johnson, public affairs officer of the 162nd Fighter Wing.
"If the F-35 comes, employment will be sustained for the long-term," he said.
A study conducted by the Maguire Company showed that the 162nd Fighter Wing brought Southern Arizona $280 million per year.
But some Tucsonans are concerned about property values and quality of life.
Sollenberger, who supports the F-35 basing here, said that property values always go down around airports, but that the increase in personnel who spend money and buy houses will ultimately benefit the community.
According to Johnson, in 2008 the Air National Guard unit at TIA had a $106 million payroll rate.
Amalong and the Minutemen Committee are trying to rally support for the F-35 with a campaign called "Tucson Lightning."
According to Amalong, 4,500 names are listed on their website in support of the plane, including Tucson Mayor Robert Walkup, Gov. Jan Brewer and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
Several meeting forums were held in March to allow citizens of Southern Arizona to voice their concerns or support.
Watson said that the meetings were a "one-sided affair" in support of the plane, but that about 200 citizens showed up to each meeting to express their opposition.
The decision should be made on basing the F-35 in early 2011.
