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There isn’t anything more frightening than the fear that the events of September 11, 2001 could ever happen here in Ohio. The acts of terrorism in the Middle East witnessed through our televisions for so many years have now reached America. The federal government is responding swiftly at home and abroad in an effort to prevent such things from ever happening again. However, they are warning all Americans that the threat still remains. We must have a well organized, well rehearsed plan in the event that this threat should ever occur here in Ohio.

If such were the case, we could count on federal assistance such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and even U.S. military forces if necessary. But what about coordinating our resources here in Ohio? After personally witnessing the pandemonium at the gas pumps following the September 11th attacks, I believe we need to do much more within individual communities to avert a “social implosion.” We need to evaluate the emergency response resources available to neighboring communities and create a network of communities with the necessary resources to handle “the worst case scenario.” This is currently being done through the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA) and the Ohio National Guard. Working with each county to identifying possible targets, training health departments and emergency services, as well as developing effective business emergency response planning and a multi-agency regional communication system, the OEMA has established an adequate system of emergency preparedness. But we cannot leave Ohio citizens out of the equation. Ohioans must be reassured that this system can provide the necessary emergency response care as well as maintain order in handling any crisis. This system of emergency preparedness MUST be tested regularly. It must be rehearsed within each community, in coordination with neighboring communities, as well as regionally and statewide. This is no simple task.

I will put our state resources to the task of constantly improving our plans and strategies while educating the public regarding our capabilities. We will set ground rules and rehearse these “State of Emergency” drills in random cities, entire regions, and even remote rural areas across the state, and analyze its effectiveness. We will make all necessary revisions to ensure we are best prepared for any “worst case scenario,” be it an act of terrorism or nature’s fury. Once this is achieved, I hope to have it tested semi-annually on designated days. Only then may we rest assured that we are prepared for anything.

Paid for by the Committee to elect Whitman and Clark.