Turner Meets with BRAC Commission Executive Director

Turner Meets with BRAC Commission Executive Director
July 21, 2005

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Michael R. Turner (R-Centerville) met today with Charles Battaglia, executive director of the 2005 BRAC Commission.

Rep. Turner and Mr. Battaglia met to discuss the Defense Department's findings relating to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and AFIT (Air Force Institute of Technology).

After their meeting, Congressman Turner issued the following statement:

"I appreciate the opportunity to express my concerns and discuss the strengths of AFIT and Wright-Patt with Mr. Battaglia and the entire BRAC Commission. We had a good discussion about the significant contributions both Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and AFIT make to our national security and our ability to succeed in the global war on terror. We also discussed issues related to maintaining the integrity of the BRAC process as the Commission makes these critical decisions. We also spoke about Massachusetts' proposal to buy jobs from Wright-Patterson. I reiterated my strong concerns that the BRAC process must not be allowed to become a national bidding war between states and communities.

After meeting with Mr. Battaglia, I remain hopeful that the Miami Valley has the opportunity to improve our standing. The BRAC Commission is considering all options, not just AFIT, it is also considering relocating the Naval Post Graduate School at Monterey, CA. which could come to our region. When the final data is weighed, I think the value to the taxpayer in Southwestern, Ohio and Wright-Patterson's critical role in the war on terror will be apparent and we have a good possibility of gaining jobs and missions."

http://www.house.gov/miketurner/news/press.rel/7.21.05.shtml