Iowa’s “homeland security” director wants legislators to pass a law to make sure a list of potential terrorist targets in Iowa will be kept secret. The list of possible targets of terrorism in Iowa includes existing security and recommendations for improvements. Iowa Homeland Security director Ellen Gordon says Iowa’s open records law needs to be changed to ensure secrecy for that list, which is being compiled now. She says it gives the reader information that shows the state’s vulnerabilities.
Gordon’s not asking for blanket secrecy over everything her agency does. Gordon says it’s important to keep the public informed, while at the same time protected.
Gordon testified before the Legislative Oversight Committee yesterday. Oversight Committee chairman Willard Jenkins of Waterloo says her request sounds reasonable.
Jenkins says he wants to make sure lawmakers don’t over-react, but he says after a significant terrorist attack some changes are probably in order.
Iowa National Guard adjutant general Ron Dardis wants legislators to change state law to make it easier for the Guard to respond to in-state requests for security services.
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