Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has written letters to President Obama and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates opposing the proposed closure of the U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk.
The letters were sent in coordination with letters sent by members of Virginia’s congressional delegation and the mayors of Suffolk, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
In the letters, McDonnell argues that the proposal should be treated as a base realignment and closure action, which would allow for a more comprehensive review of the proposal.
“The BRAC process, as the law of the land pertinent to this type of action, must be followed so that the significant economic impact of the JFCOM closure on the local communities and the commonwealth as a whole may be appropriately considered,” he wrote.
In the letter to the president, McDonnell urges that Gates’ recommendation be rejected, and in the letter to Gates, he urges the Defense secretary to reconsider, and requests to meet with him and senior members of his staff to establish “an open and transparent dialogue.”
