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Councilman Proposes City Task Force to Fight Against Military Downsizing

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Story Published: Jan 26, 2012 at 7:59 PM PST

Story Updated: Jan 26, 2012 at 10:58 PM PST

SAN DIEGO - Councilman Carl DeMaio Thursday asked Mayor Jerry Sanders to form a task force to fight against any future proposals to close bases in San Diego.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta revealed that long-range plans to downsize the military could include a round of base closures in the next few years.

Panetta also proposed a reduction in Marine personnel from 202,000 to 182,000, and decommissioning seven of the Navy's 22 cruisers, both of which could impact San Diego.

Overall, the reductions total $487 billion over 10 years.

"San Diego is a proud military town," DeMaio said. "Any cuts to military forces or installations in the region will have a devastating effect on our economy and the character of this city."

Military spending directly or indirectly accounts for $22.3 billion in the regional economy and accounts for approximately 475,000 jobs, he said.

DeMaio, who is running for mayor, said a task force would serve as the region's voice to the Department of Defense, coordinate with the congressional delegation and work with other area stakeholders.

The subject of base closings always worries San Diego officials, who have already seen the loss of the Naval Training Center. However, President Obama said the strategic focus is shifting from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to potential threats in Asia -- which could boost the argument for maintaining local facilities.

A spokesman for Sanders did not immediately comment on DeMaio's proposal.
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