Washington reactions: Murray calls Boeing decision ‘shortsighted'

There's a firestorm of reaction on Boeing's announcement to pick South Carolina as the site of its second 787 assembly line.

From Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

“I am disappointed that Boeing cut off negotiations and passed on a final chance to make this happen,” Murray said, in a statement.

“Even when they moved headquarters to Chicago, Boeing's Washington workforce remained dedicated to the quality product they make.

“Now, Boeing has decided to take their second 787 line to South Carolina. It's a shortsighted decision.”


From SPEEA

“We are astounded that Boeing has chosen to compound the problems of the 787 program by further fragmenting the supply chain,” said Ray Goforth, executive director of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), IFPTE Local 2001. “There is no credible business case for this decision.”

From Mayor Ray Stephanson

"I am deeply disappointed by this turn of events. I had hoped for a different outcome.

This decision will have an adverse impact on many loyal and dedicated workers, suppliers and sub contractors here in Puget Sound.

The effect of today's decision will be widely felt in families, schools, local small businesses and community services. "


From Aaron Reardon, Snohomish County Executive

"This could have been entirely avoided," he said.

"This should remove all doubt" that other states are willing to be more competitive than Washington, Reardon said.

From Gov. Chris Gregoire

"This is obviously a very disappointing day for all Washingtonians. ... We did all we could to demonstrate that Washington is the best place in America to build airplanes."