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| Senator Michael Balboni |
Senator Michael Balboni Addresses Emergency Preparedness
"Bio Terrorism: The Challenges to State Government"
Garden City, NY
February 5, 2003
Senator Michael Balboni (R-Mineola) chose The President's Series on Critical Issues at Adelphi University to deliver his first public policy address on the issue of Homeland Security as Chair of the new Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs.
Known as a leader on the issue in New York State since before the September 11 terrorist attacks, Senator Balboni outlined six new initiatives to protect New York from a bioterrorist attack.
"In a recent conversation with Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, he told me that the key to any national strategy against terrorism as a whole, is a state and local response," Senator Balboni said.
A graduate of Adelphi and adjunct Professor, Senator Balboni outlined specific goals for a capacity crowd, ranging in age from 19 to 100, drawn by the topicality of the "Critical Issues" series and the message that Long Island needs to take several steps to respond to the threat of bioterrorism. These steps include:
- Establishing a statewide program to monitor for the presence of infectious biological agents;
- Implementing a "medicom" system to link all emergency personnel; and
- Creating domestic "M*A*S*H" units.
- Senator Balboni will also unveil plans for new legislation that will require background checks of all hospital employees; and
- he is urging for the quick passage of weapons of mass destruction legislation in New York State.
Senator Balboni galvanized the community-led audience with his quote from Winston Churchill, that "in this strange and terrible world, there is a place for everyone, man and woman, old and young, service in a thousand forms is open...all have their part to play," and his reflections on recent conversations with Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.
President Scott drew attention to Adelphi’s alumni suddenly being thrust on to the national stage in Homeland Security, with Senator Balboni’s work in sponsoring the Weapons of Mass Destruction Bill, and Dr. Robert G. Darling, M.D. serving as Senior Medical Adviser of the Navy Medicine Office of Homeland Security and Medical Corps Specialty Leader for Homeland Security.
UPCOMING LECTURES AT THE ALUMNI HOUSE:
THE PRESIDENT'S SERIES on CRITICAL ISSUES 2003
February 27th, 2003 - Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli
April 24th, 2003 - Comptroller Howard Weitzman
Dr. Robert A. Scott has been president, chief executive officer, and professor of anthropology and sociology at Adelphi University since July 2000, bringing to the century-old liberal arts and professional programs of Adelphi a modern philosophy of engagement with businesses, communities, civic groups, schools, and non-governmental international organizations, thus enriching the University's opportunities for teaching, learning and service, both on the campus and off.
Adelphi University, chartered in 1896, was the first institution of higher education for liberal arts and sciences on Long Island. Through its schools and programs -- The College of Arts and Science, the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, the Honors College, University College/ABLE Program, and the Schools of Business, Education, Nursing, and Social Work -- the co-educational university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as professional and educational programs for adults. Adelphi University currently enrolls over 7,000 students from 37 states and 60 foreign countries. With its main campus in Garden City and centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie, the University maintains a commitment to liberal studies in tandem with rigorous profess
Media Contact
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Lori Duggan Gold
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e - duggangold@adelphi.edu
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