Vice Views
Blue Ribbon Task Force on Security -
Will it improve security or is it a farce?
On February 1, 2002, U.S. Congressman Mike Honda and San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales announced the creation of the Silicon Valley Blue Ribbon Task Force on Aviation Security. The Airport Security Task Force was to include technology, security, business, and aviation experts from Silicon Valley. The Task Force’s stated goals are as follows:
- Identify and examine existing and emerging technologies, which would facilitate and/or enhance passenger identification, baggage and cargo screening, airfield security, cockpit security, explosive detection, secured area access and other security concerns in the immediate and long-term future;
- Identify measures that can enhance operational security while simultaneously addressing passenger convenience;
- Complete its review within 100 days of its appointment; and
- Prepare recommendations for presentation to the United States Secretary of Transportation.
On the day the Task Force was first announced, the Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group, who was charged with recruiting panel members for Congressman Honda and Mayor Gonzales, solicited their membership for parties interested in participating in the panel. I received their invitation and responded with a copy of my resume and the ASIS charter, and offered the collective participation by the SFBA Chapter.
I immediately received a call from Danielle Domeniconi from the Manufacturing Group, who thanked me for the offer, and said we would be a great addition to the task force.
A few days later, I received another call from Danielle, telling me, “ I have spoken to the person who oversees this Task Force from our office and our understanding is that the invitation is open to CEOs only. This is the decision of Congressman Honda and Mayor Gonzales and unfortunately we have no control over it. However, we are recommending that those with experience be allowed to ‘back up’ the Task Force. And, if there are not enough responses, they may open the position to a wider pool of applicants. If I learn any new information that might be helpful to you, I will let you know”.
Since then, I received two follow up calls from the SVMG, stating “we are going to get you on the task force.” Then, on February 25th, I was told, “we apologize, but the decision only to ask CEO’s to participate is final.”
On February 27th, John Thompson, CEO of Symantec was named as the chairman of the task force. During the announcement, Congressman Honda stated that, “He (Thompson) rightly understands that true aviation security means protecting not only airplanes and people, but networks and data as well.” Mr. Thompson’s statement was, “This is a wonderful opportunity for businesspeople to work in partnership with local and federal government toward a common goal that benefits the public and our economy.”
On March 13th, Congressman Honda announced that the members of the Task Force had been selected, and that the clock was ticking on the 100 days. On the same day, I received another telephone call, this time from Congressman Honda’s Office, stating that Mr. Honda’s office was very interested to have us participate in the task force, whose members had just been announced, and would be mailing me some information on the task force and a meeting schedule.
Today is April 1st, and I still have not received the information from the Congressman’s Office. There are now 81 days left until the recommendations are due to be submitted.
One has to wonder if the true intent of the task force is not so much to improve security, but to find another avenue for Silicon Valley Businesses to potentially sell more technology to the government, and use security as an excuse. According to the Congressman’s office, there will be at least one public hearing held by the task force. We will be there to ask the question.
Brad Minnis CPP
Vice Chair SFBA Chapter