THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 18, 1995 TAG: 9502180363
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DALE EISMAN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
Senate Republican leader Bob Dole on Friday recommended retired Army Maj. Gen. Josue Robles Jr. for the 1995 military base closing commission, avoiding a confrontation with the White House over an earlier candidate whom President Clinton apparently found unacceptable.
``The commission has a tough job ahead of it, and Gen. Robles brings to this effort a tremendous understanding of our nation's military capabilities and priorities,'' Dole said.
The GOP leader's announcement followed by four days Clinton's refusal to nominate Michael P.W. Stone, a former secretary of the Army who was Dole's first choice. The White House said early in February that Stone would be nominated, but his name was omitted when those of six other candidates were sent to the Senate on Monday.
The base closing law requires Clinton to consult with Dole and other congressional leaders before making nominations for six of the eight spots on the commission. All eight commissioners must win Senate confirmation.
Clinton has not commented publicly on why Stone was rejected, and it was unclear on Friday whether the administration had given Dole a private explanation. In a prepared statement, Dole said only that he regrets that Clinton ``blocked the nomination of Mike Stone, but we are fortunate to have the service of Joe Robles.''
The base closing commission is to begin work shortly after March 1 on recommendations by the Pentagon for closing and realigning military bases across the country. It is likely to get down to business without Robles; Clinton took several weeks to review other candidates suggested by congressional leaders before finally making his original nominations.
The commission currently has only one member; chairman Alan J. Dixon was selected and confirmed last fall. The six nominations Clinton made earlier this week are expected to be confirmed by March 1.
The 49-year-old Robles is a native of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He concluded a 28-year Army career last year as commander of Fort Riley, Kan., and the 1st Infantry Division.
Before that, he spent two years as director of the Army budget, a job that should make him familiar with Army facilities nationwide. His service also included wartime duty in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf.
Since his retirement, Robles has been working as senior vice president and chief financial officer/corporate controller for USAA Financial Services in San Antonio, Texas.
KEYWORDS: BRAC BASE CLOSURE by CNB