I find it difficult to criticize Sen. Thune, an upcoming GOP star, who had to undertake a massive effort to save Ellsworth AFB, given his campaign platform. Some things weren't meant to not happen.
But, many of these bases can be converted into corporate or industrial parks, school campuses or residential communities (with the proper cleanup and landscaping) that will yield many more jobs and tax revenues than lost from a base closing. It takes some imagination, entrepreneurship, marketing and capital. This is a can-do nation of winners.
Actually the answer is right in front of their noses, as is evidenced by Brooks City Base. The city took over the base, maintenance and all, and now leases space to the Air Force. It has been a win-win situation for all, with hundreds of new businesses popping up in the area in the last few years that have created alot of jobs. However, we still ended up on the BRAC list, and the jobs created by these new businesses (which basically pay minimum wage)does not even compare to what will be lost. The most important loss will be to the Air Force, in "brain drain", as the majority of folks I talked to are not even considering moving to WPAFB, they are all jumping ship in one form or another, some going to NASA and for those that have the option, retirement.