A vocal critic of the decision to base F-35 fighter jets in Vermont announced Monday that she will seek the position of adjutant general.

Rosanne Greco, a retired Air Force colonel and former chair of the South Burlington City Council, said she decided to seek the state’s top military post after several female legislators encouraged her to enter the previously male-dominated race.

Greco said her opposition to the F-35s, the first of which are expected to arrive this fall, would make her an excellent candidate because now is the time for the Vermont Air National Guard to be asking the question others might not.

“What could possibly go wrong? A whole lot could go wrong, and you want to know what those things are,” Greco said.

Her opposition to the fighter jet has been and remains its safety record, which she called questionable, the impacts of the noise around Burlington International Airport, and the health risks of working around aircraft made of dangerous composite materials.
What the Guard needs now is someone willing to address these problems instead of a leader who will “salute smartly” and follow orders, Greco said.

“I would continue to tell the truth to my bosses whether they like to hear it or not,” she said.

Greco is holding a press conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Montpelier to discuss her candidacy. She'll also testify along with other candidates at 4 p.m. before the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs.

The other three candidates are Col. Greg Knight, an active duty guardsman and resident of Huntington; David Baczewski, a retired Air Guard brigadier general and resident of Westford; and David Graham, a retired Army lieutenant colonel from Grand Isle.

The legislature is expected to elect a new adjutant general February 21.