Governor Moves to Fill Security Post

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday tapped a disaster management expert with ties to the Pete Wilson administration to help him sift through candidates for state homeland security director.

Schwarzenegger announced that Richard A. Andrews, 62, a Republican from Redlands, would serve temporarily as an advisor to help fill the vacancy created when Ronald L. Iden stepped down as homeland security director after just six months on the job.

Iden, a former top FBI agent in Los Angeles, left to become head of security operations for Walt Disney Co.

The governor’s office said Andrews would not be directly available for comment.

In a prepared statement, Andrews said: “I look forward to using my experience in disaster preparedness and prevention to serve the people of California. I share the governor’s priority of public safety and I will work to bring the most experienced and capable individual to lead the Office of Homeland Security.”

Andrews headed the office of emergency services under Wilson. He was also appointed by the Bush administration to the Homeland Security Advisory Council, part of a broad effort to protect the U.S. against terrorist attacks.

Before the appointment, Andrews worked at the National Center for Crisis and Continuity Coordination, an El Segundo company that focuses on forging better cooperation between the government and private sector in coping with crises.

Schwarzenegger, in a statement, said: “Richard shares my commitment to public safety and keeping Californians safe. He will be a tremendous asset to the people of this state as he works to ensure the continued security of the people of California and assists me in the selection of the most qualified individual to serve as director of this important office.”

As governor, Schwarzenegger has reached deep into the former Wilson administration to fill important posts. His chief of staff, Patricia Clarey, worked for Wilson, and his senior staff is peppered with officials who worked in fish and game, agriculture, business, planning and other areas under Wilson.