Vital Security Personnelat portland International Airport
VITAL SECURITY PERSONNEL AT PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Today Governor Kulongoski issued a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Transportation Security Administration requesting a reversal of the decision to eliminate more than 30 percent of the security screeners at PDX. The letter can be found at: http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/pdf/tsa_screeners.pdf or see below for the letter text.
July 29, 2005
Assistant Secretary Edmund Hawley
Transportation Security Administration
Department of Homeland Security
TSA HQ: TSA-1
601 South 12th Street
Arlington, VA 22202-4220
Dear Secretary Hawley:
I am writing in regards to the recent announcement by the Transportation Security Administration to eliminate more than one-third of the baggage and passenger screeners at the Portland International Airport (PDX) as part of a national reorganization of TSA screeners. The termination of 168 positions at PDX will only compromise - not advance - the mission of the TSA to, "protect the Nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce," and will jeopardize both Oregon's growing economy and our commitment to the highest standard of security for the citizens of this state and region.
For an airport like Portland International, which is an origination and destination airport and one where the number of travelers that must go through security is only increasing with each year, more screeners - not fewer - are needed to provide minimal wait-times, on-time departures, and operational efficiencies such as thorough and expeditious baggage security screens and checks. Furthermore, this recommendation, coupled with the Department of Defense recommendation to the BRAC Commission to relocate the 939th and 142nd Fighter and Refueling Wings from the Portland Air Base, would increase the Northwest region's vulnerability to terrorist attacks and hinder our ability to adequately protect Oregonians and our millions of visitors each year.
I am strongly opposed to the TSA's decision to reduce its workforce at PDX and respectfully request that you reconsider your decision to cut 168 vital security personnel. I encourage you to visit Oregon and meet with officials at the Port of Portland before further jeopardizing the safety and security of our state and region.
Sincerely,
THEODORE R. KULONGOSKI
Governor
http://www.governor.oregon.gov/Gov/press_072905_3.shtml