By Brian Bohl
New York State Senator Michael Balboni discussed ways to improve homeland securities and future improvements needed to ensure the safety of the United States, on Tuesday.
President Stuart Rabinowitz and other school trustees attended the presentation that was part of the Distinguished Lecture Series presented by the University's Scott Skodnek Business Development Center.
Balboni said an instrumental aspect of this endeavor is port security.
"There have been great advancements in maritime security, but we are still very vulnerable," Balboni said.
Security of the ports and waterways has been a special concern for the senator.
He is the author of a law passed in 2002 that required a security analysis of all water suppliers in the state. Balboni said he was a champion of water safety for a long time.
"I was chair of a water research committee in 1999. No one thought that the watershed was susceptible to a terrorist attack," he said. "This was a serious problem."
Keeping the focus on terrorism and proposing new initiatives in the Senate has been the trademark of Balboni's time in office. In 2003 he was able to pass a bill that increased the authority of law enforcement officials to investigate and prosecute terrorists and punish those who acquire or use chemical or biological weapons.
"Sen. Balboni has shepherded no less than 14 national security bills in the Senate," Irwin Kellner, professor of economics, said.
Balboni serves as chairman on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Veterans. After the attacks on 9/11, he tried to instill a new mindset about domestic safety.
"Before 9/11, national security meant fighting the enemy abroad, not at home," Balboni said. "We learned that national security is local."
Unfortunately some homeland security bills and considerations were not given too much credence prior to 2001. Politicians and other public officials were not keen on implementing new procedures.
"I introduced a national security bill. I was derided as a fear mongrel at the time," Balboni said. "The opposition (Democratic party) said that the only weapons of mass destruction to fear were assault weapons."
Improvements in New York's infrastructure would also have positive long term ramifications for the security of the state.
"We need to improve fire responses. We need to put GPS locators on all fire trucks," Balboni said. "We need to improve health care systems in case of catastrophes, whether they be terrorism induced or not."
The senator's forethought and diligence in pursing delicate security matters struck a chord with the audience.
"I think it is inspirational that the senator is focusing on this issue of national importance," Alessandra Sumowicz, director of campus planning, design and construction for the University, said. "He was a great speaker."