Panel to begin meetings on security

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Two months after the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, more than 30 state officials will gather today to discuss security in Missouri.

Appointed earlier this month by Gov. Bob Holden, the 32-member panel will hold the first of four meetings statewide at Missouri National Guard Ike Skelton Training Center near Jefferson City, which is home to the State Emergency Management Agency.

Holden announced the formation of the panel in October, one day after U.S. military operations began in Afghan-istan in response to the terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center and damaged the Pentagon.

The panel's audit will look for potential risk locations the state should actively manage, while checking for any needs or issues that require immediate attention.

It is also charged with providing an ongoing evaluation of the state's ability to respond to an unprecedented threat.

"I expect them to be able to assess at the local and state level as to what role each is to play, how we intersect with the federal responsibility here," Holden told reporters Monday.

The Democrat, who met with federal Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge last week, said he plans to keep Ridge informed about the panel's progress throughout the process.

Holden said expects several subcommittees within the panel to provide an in-depth look into a variety of areas.