Base closure panel nominees selected

Base closure panel nominees selected

By Otto Kreisher
COPLEY NEWS SERVICE

March 16, 2005

WASHINGTON – President Bush yesterday began the politically charged process of deciding which military bases in California and around the country soon might be closed to save money.

Bush formally nominated the nine members of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission, including former Veterans Affairs secretary and San Diegan Anthony J. Principi, whom Bush has chosen to serve as chairman.

In four reductions, starting in 1988, California has lost 24 bases and an estimated 93,000 jobs.

If all are confirmed by the Senate, the nine commissioners will include four retired senior military officers, two former members of Congress, two former Cabinet secretaries and a former weapons research and testing official.

More..

Find this article at:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050316/news_1n16arms.html

:(

here's an earlier article with lots of info

http://www.g2mil.com/2005.htm

snip>
State officials and members of Congress from Maine to Connecticut, including Republican Govs. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts and M. Jodi Rell of Connecticut, had pushed for a New Englander to be named to the commission with the hope it would help stem base closures in the region.

"New England plays a unique role in the development of defense technology and has tremendous growth potential to offer," said Rep. Martin Meehan, D-Mass. "That regional perspective deserves fair representation."

Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, said she was "profoundly disappointed" that a New Englander was not included.

"This disturbing decision compromises fairness and balance in a process that is vitally important to our nation's defense and in which the stakes for local communities are extraordinarily high, especially given the fact that New England has lost 50 percent of its military installations in the prior four rounds of base closings," she said.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2005/03/15/northeast_shut_out_of_bushs_base_closing_panel/

There are two Navy bases here in Maine that we're worried about. The least we were hoping for was representation on the commission. THis is very troubling.

"handout"

During the long debate about the reuse of El Toro in Orange County, Ca., Congressman Chris Cox continuously blamed Clinton for closing the base - even though the first round started with papa Bush. Once closed, however, he campaigned to sell the land to the highest bidder, even if the final use would be a noxious one..

North East. You can bet that's the area that will be targeted. I live near a very big naval base here in CT and we are wondering if it will be one of them. Wouldn't surprise me. Bush is very vindictive. The North East didn't vote for him and he will do everything he can to hurt the region--just to get even.