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Homeland Security 5 Year Anniversary 2003 - 2008, One Team, One Mission Securing the Homeland

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge Speaks at the Council for Excellence in Government

Release Date: 09/16/03 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 16, 2003

Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge highlighted a new initiative from the Council for Excellence in Government designed to involve citizens in homeland security. The initiative, "Homeland Security from the Citizen's Perspective," is designed to connect citizens with business leaders, first responders, volunteer and civic organizations, members of academia, and government officials at the federal, state, and local level on the topic of homeland security.

Secretary Ridge delivered the keynote remarks at the initiative's launch today at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. In addition to the kick-off event, Secretary Ridge and other top Homeland Security officials will participate in a series of town hall meetings being convened by the Council for Excellence in Government across the country.

"It's important that we have a solid understanding of what citizens want and expect from their government. It's also personally important to me to hear the ideas and concerns of citizens firsthand," said Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge. "This initiative will be of great value to homeland security leaders in government, business and academia, and I am grateful to the Council for spearheading this effort."

In addition to the town hall meetings, the Council for Excellence in Government's initiative will comprise expert working groups and public opinion research. Based on the results of that work, the Council will publish a set of homeland security recommendations for action by key government players at the local, state and national level, as well as business and civic leaders, as well as citizens.

Secretary Ridge will participate in the first town hall meeting on October 8 in St. Louis. Other town hall meetings are scheduled for Miami, Rochester, San Diego, Lexington, Houston and Seattle.

This page was last modified on 09/16/03 00:00:00