IU's support can aid Crane

The Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center in Bloomfield, Ind. is cutting back jobs, which means Bloomington residents might be losing them. Based on the recommendation of the Defense Department in Washington D.C., the Bloomfield base could face 700 job cuts. It has yet to be set in stone whether or not there will actually be a cutback, and it won't be finalized until President Bush decides in November.\nThis decision does in fact affect IU. Last January, Crane, IU, Purdue and the state of Indiana signed an agreement to share in developing research.\nAfter the proposed cuts were announced, IU President Adam Herbert stepped up and offered to reaffirm IU's relation with the base.\nWe are impressed to see Herbert take initiative and offer this to the naval base. Although this can be seen as a publicity stunt, it gives us the chance to use our departments while helping a cause and assisting a neighboring community. \nWe are, however, concerned with what this might mean economically for Bloomington and its neighbors. The Base Realignment and Closure Commission is developing ways for these workers to find jobs if the naval base is to see such a large employee cut. Jobs are supposed to be created to minimize the loss. However, nothing can ever guarantee smooth sailing when an exorbitant amount of jobs disappear. \nDownsizing is a better option than closing down the facility completely, but either way, this greatly impacts Bloomington. IU will feel the ripple as well. \nGov. Mitch Daniels supports the base closings and layoffs, even with the seemingly negative effects. Isn't Daniels trying to keep graduates in Indiana? Supporting these closings does just the opposite.\nWe are glad to see Herbert taking this stance, as it allows IU to contribute to an important cause. But, it still could spell economic trouble for Bloomington and IU.