HOUSTON – Terrorism and security experts join Khambrel Marshall for this week's Houston Newsmakers program to discuss the challenges Houston and all cities face in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings.
Joan Neuhaus Schaan, former Fellow in Terrorism and Homeland Security at the Baker Institute, talks about what law enforcement and security experts face in trying to keep our city secure. Neuhaus Schaan formerly served as executive director of the Houston-Harris County Regional Homeland Security Advisory Council and says Houston is well prepared for the possibility of terrorist attack. Also joining Khambrel is Brian Hoffner, a veteran police officer and expert in weapons and tactics, who talks about the common sense things that all of us can do to keep ourselves and our families safe in the case of the unthinkable.
Discovery Green, downtown Houston's urban oasis, is one of those areas attracting large crowds and where security will be higher in the wake of the Boston Bombings. Former Mayor Bill White joins Khambrel to talk about the inception of Discovery Green and the role he played in making it happen, as well as the kinds of security concerns for which the city of Houston is prepared. Also joining the conversation is Barry Mandel, the president of Discovery Green, to talk about the impact the park has had on the Houston economy and the potential future impact.
Sunday, April 28, is when more than 40,000 are expected to converge on the University of Houston to raise funds for the March of Dimes. The Houston March for Babies has been the largest March of Dimes walk in the country and is expected to approach that mark again this year. Security concerns have been addressed and organizers say walkers should expect to have a safe walk. Joining Khambrel to talk about the event are Kenny Mercado, senior vice president of CenterPoint Energy and chair of the Houston board of the March of Dimes. Suzanne Raia is the mother of Logan Raia, who weighed a bit more than 3 pounds at birth and survived, in part, because of the research done by the March of Dimes. Ms. Raia talks about Logan's progress and the reason she is the Ambassador Mom for the Houston March for Babies.
Riveting conversation from start to finish in this week's Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall Sunday at 10 a.m., right after Meet the Press with David Gregory!
More Information:
Joan Neuhas Schaan, terrorism & homeland security expert, http://bakerinstitute.org/personnel/inactive/jneuhaus
Brian Hoffner, safety sxpert, 281-855-8800; http://www.hoffners.com/info.htm
Bill White, former Houston mayor
Barry Mandel, president, Discovery Green, 713-660-7003; www.discoverygreen.com
Kenny Mercado, senior vice president ofCenterPoint Energy/chair-Houston March of Dimes,713-623-2020; http://www.marchofdimes.com/texas/contactus.html
Suzanne Raia, March of Dimes Ambassador Mom,713-623-2020; http://www.marchofdimes.com/texas/contactus.html