Public Forum:
Homeland Security – Protecting New York’s Vital Infrastructure
Tuesday, October 14, 2003 – 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the C.W. Post Campus

Widespread radiation monitoring by state and local police. A 300-terminal state-wide Secure Counter-Terrorism Network. The New York State Cyber-Security Task Force. The NYS Bio-Watch Network to provide early detection of airborne pathogens. Improved airport security. The fraudulent documents task force to crack down on fraudulent ID mills. A sophisticated state-wide Health Alert Network (HAN), a Physicians Notification System, and a Smallpox Preparedness Plan.

All of these and more resulted from the efforts of the New York State Office of Public Security created by Governor George Pataki on October 10, 2001 in response to the events of 9/11. Pataki’s goal was to ensure that the NYS administration did everything possible to coordinate and enhance anti-terrorist efforts in New York State.

On Tuesday, October 14, the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University will host a public forum at which federal and state legislative leaders will discuss the protection of New York State and its infrastructure. "Homeland Security: Protecting New York’s Vital Infrastructure," will feature prominent players in U.S. and NYS anti-terrorism activities.

Congressman Peter King, Member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security in the U. S. House of Representatives, and Senator Michael Balboni, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee of the NYS Senate, will serve as hosts. Speakers will include James Kallstrom, Senior Policy Advisor to New York State Governor George Pataki for Counter-Terrorism; and James McMahon, Director, New York State Office of Public Security. Each presentation will be followed by a discussion by the legislators.

Participants are expected to include Long Island business and community leaders, educators, students and the media. Also invited are representatives from state and local law enforcement, Homeland Security and infrastructure protection agencies.

The public forum will take place on Tuesday, October 14, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. in Hillwood Commons on the C.W. Post Campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. For more information, contact Christopher Williams, Esq., Long Island University Director of Government Relations, at 516-299-3834 or via email: christopher.williams@liu.edu.