Military Base closures and closures of ancillary military facilities
such as hospitals -- will, in general, have similar effects no matter
what areas are involved.
Economic Impact: Perhaps the greatest and most far-reaching
effect. Not only are military jobs lost in the local economy --
civilian jobs connected to goods and services provided to the military
installations in question are lost as well.
This direct economic impact has a ripple effect. Lost jobs
mean lost state and local tax revenue. Services such as schools
and public safety suffer. These factors make it more difficult to
attract new businesses (which means replacement jobs) into the affected area.
Social Impact: Although less immediate and direct -- lost jobs means
higher unemployment. In turn, higher unemployment leads to
more crime. Property crime, violent crime (including domestic
violence) and substance abuse -- among other crimes are all likely to increase.
Image: Even without the effects mentioned above, a community's status
and self-image is affected by the loss of any large employer.
However, this is especially true of a military base or other
significant military facility. The military is obviously tied to
Country and Patriotism. It is therefore directly tied to what is
often called 'Civic Pride'.
This is why -- along with the obvious economic and social impacts that
potential base closings could bring about -- Civic Pride will be at the
forefront of state and local efforts to prevent the closing of Bases
and other military facilities in communities across the nation.
It is certain that delegations made up of representatives from local and
state governments, Chambers of Commerce, and other Business Civic and
Church Leaders will hold presentations for the Base Closure Commission
in their local areas.
There will be similar delegations
traveling to Washington DC in order to lobby Congressional Delegations
in an attempt to stop what most affected areas can only view as a very
negative development -- if not an outright disaster.
Let me know if you need more input. If not, thanks for the
opportunity to assist you... I would really appreciate your honoring my
efforts by 'pushing the button' and Accepting this answer.
Good Luck!
Steve
Edited by Oreport on May 22 2005 at 5:12pm
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