The Governor's Defense Initiative, announced by Governor Nathan Deal last month, will try to strengthen its lobbying of defense policymakers in Washington while also working to recruit private industry to military communities. (Photo courtesy: U.S. Air Force)
The Governor's Defense Initiative, announced by Governor Nathan Deal last month, will try to strengthen its lobbying of defense policymakers in Washington while also working to recruit private industry to military communities.
The initiative will be led by a Washington consultant who's familiar with both Georgia and the Pentagon. Will Ball worked as chief of staff to former Georgia Senator Herman Talmadge and as Navy Secretary under President Ronald Reagan.
Ball says Georgia's nine military bases are in a "tremendous period of uncertainty." The so-called fiscal cliff could trigger steep military cuts, and a new round of base closings is likely in 2015.
