THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 30, 1995 TAG: 9506300452
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
President Clinton should ignore the protestations of some California lawmakers and accept the recommendations of the latest military base-closing commission, Rep. Owen B. Pickett of Virginia Beach asserted Thursday.
``The closing of military bases is a difficult and contentious issue under the best of circumstances,'' Pickett said in a letter to the president.
``To delay or alter the process at this stage will quickly be seen as a politically motivated effort,'' Pickett wrote.
Hampton Roads is among a relative handful of military communities that will come out ahead if the commission's recommendations are accepted by Clinton and Congress.
Oceana Naval Air Station, in Pickett's district, is to gain about 5,000 jobs, thanks to transfers of jet squadrons from Florida and California.
The bipartisan commission voted last week to close or realign 123 military bases.
The final closure list would translate into 18,000 lost jobs in California, which, with 56 electoral votes, is vital to Clinton's 1996 re-election campaign.
Clinton has until July 15 to accept or reject the commission's recommendations, which he must deal with as a package. If he approves, Congress will have an opportunity to override him.
KEYWORDS: MILITARY BASES BASE CLOSINGS by CNB