Governors Named to NGA Public Safety Task Force

On the 5th anniversary of the Sept. 11th, attacks on America, the National Governors Association (NGA) has announced the creation of a Public Safety Task Force in recognition of governors’ evolving role & responsibility in enhancing the safety of their states’ residents.

The new task force will consolidate safety- & security-related issues in what NGA Chair Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano called a comprehensive & strategic approach to coordinating governors’ planning & actions in the areas of homeland security, protection of critical infrastructure, emergency response, pandemic preparedness, National Guard readiness & traditional law enforcement activities.

Membership of the task force will reflect its goal of uniting the distinct but often overlapping issues in the broad area of public safety. The task force will consist of lead governors on the National Guard, North Carolina Gov. Michael Easley & South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford; lead governors on Homeland Security Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner & Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney; NGA Vice Chair Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty; & West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin. Gov. Pawlenty & Gov. Minner will serve as co-chairs.