City Panels to Examine Security, Economy

Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn on Friday announced the formation of two task forces to deal with local security and economic concerns in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The 16-member Economic Impact Task Force will assess financial fallout from the attacks and develop proposals to assist businesses and workers.

“There is no question the economy is slowing down,” Hahn said at a news conference announcing the formation of the group.

“What we want to know is what the city can do to rev it up.”

The panel, which will be headed by attorney George Kieffer, is made up of representatives from unions, airlines, hotels and other firms.

The task force held its first meeting Friday afternoon, and Hahn asked the group to develop a report for him within three weeks.

A second task force has been charged with assessing the security of the Port of Los Angeles.

Eighteen representatives from law enforcement agencies, businesses and unions will discuss ways to ensure that the port is safe from terrorism.

Hahn asked the panel--headed by Harbor Commission President Nick Tonsich and port Police Chief Noel Cunningham--to examine the possibility of an identification system for the port’s truck traffic.

The mayor said better better surveillance and detection equipment is needed to conduct searches of cargo.

Earlier this week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors called for a meeting of local governments to come up with ways to stimulate the regional economy, and directed its budget staff to review ways to do the same.