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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/06/1991, C-8 - CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY LT. COLONEL HAGEMAN, COMMANDER OF CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO TO OPPOSE REDUCTIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD. �I��N�IpNIINllllllllf�IIIVI� ".7 MEETING WE: nNuil c� o San lues OBISpo 08/06/91 Aft 7,IV' COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER FROM: John Dunn, City Administrative Officer Prepared By: Alison Lloyd, Administrative Analyst SUBJECT: Consideration of a request by Lt. Colonel Hageman, Commander of Camp San Luis Obispo to oppose reductions of the California Army National Guard. CAO . RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution opposing the proposed reductions to the California Army National Guard. DISCUSSION: The City has received a request from Lt. Colonel John W. Hageman, Commander of Camp San Luis Obispo to oppose the United States Army's proposed cuts in the California Army National Guard's force structure. During the next four years, the Guard is scheduled to be reduced in size by 32% which represents the loss of approximately 7, 000 authorized positions. The Army's plan would disband three major headquarters and 50 units and detachments of the California Army National Guard. Twenty-six armories are also scheduled for closure. The proposed reductions are expected to have an adverse economic impact on both state and local economies as well as impact the Guard's ability to respond to national and state disasters and emergencies. San Luis Obispo will also be affected if the proposed reductions are approved. One unit from San Luis Obispo County would be deactivated. The total number of soldiers receiving training at Camp San Luis and Camp Roberts (two of the State's major training sites) would also be reduced. This in turn would affect the number of support personnel needed at the sites. As a result, it is anticipated that city and county revenues would be adversely affected. For these reasons, Lt. Colonel Hageman has requested that the City urge United States Representatives, Leon Panetta and Bill Thomas to sign a letter to Secretary of Defense, Richard Cheney opposing the proposed reductions. The letter is being circulated by Congressman Robert K. Dornan and Carlos Moorhead to the members of the Congressional Delegation. In addition, the City has been requested to adopt a resolution opposing the proposed reductions to the California National Guard. These actions will assist the California Congressional Delegation in their efforts to preserve a strong, effective Army National Guard force. ATTACHKENTS: 1. Resolution 2 . Request from Lt. Col. John W. Hageman \guard C-S- RESOLUTION NO. (1991 Series) SUPPORT MAINTAINING THE CURRENT CALIFORNIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD FORCE STRUCTURE AND STRENGTH WHEREAS, the California National Guard is an important part of our community economic viability and the proposed cuts will adversely affect city and county revenues; and WHEREAS, the California National Guard responds to all types of emergencies such as forest fires, earthquakes, civil disturbances, and disaster relief; and WHEREAS, the California National Guard faces potentially disastrous personnel and budget cuts of 32% which will impact their ability to meet the expectations and needs of the citizens of California. NOW,. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo does hereby support maintaining the current California Army National Guard force structure and strength. Upon motion of seconded by and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of , 1991. ATTEST: Mayor Ron Dunin Pam Voges, City Clerk , APPROVED: City A inistrative Officer Q:4/41.4 �L 7 I n C u � i.l �D/11dY10) C�Attbor eri y C-�-� ELI July 15, 1991 John Dunn, City Administrator City of San Luis Obispo Post Office Box 8100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 Dear John: The purpose of this letter is to ask your participation in the effort to stop the U.S. Army proposed force cut and reduction of the California Army National Guard. The U.S. Army is attempting to downsize the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. This is the most potentially devastating action taken against this nation's reserve force in this century. Such actions, if successful, would eliminate 32% of the California Army National Guard, which amounts to over 7, 000 personnel. Such cuts would also result in the closure of 25 armories throughout California. The Army's downsizing proposals, if effective, would dramatically weaken the California Army National Guard's ability to respond to State and Federal missions, including its ability to respond to California's many disasters and emergencies. I urge you to write or contact your particular Congressman and "voice" your opinion and request he/she sign the letter to Secretary of Defense Cheney that is being circulated to the members of the California Congressional Delegation by Congressman Robert K. Dornan and Carlos Moorhead. This letter is urging Secretary Cheney to oppose the U.S. Army's downsizing efforts. Your support, together with the support of your colleagues, would serve to pull our California Congressional Delegation together and would demonstrate a united support and desire to preserve a strong, effective Army National Guard force. Thank you again for your immediate support and response to this very important matter. Si cerely, W. Hageman eutenant Colonel, CA ARNG mmanding ATTACHMENT 2