Letter: Bussell was an excellent choice

Friday, Jan. 16, 2004 | 8:47 a.m.

The holidays are behind us without a terrorist attack, even though the threat remains. Preparedness was the key to this success. Homeland Defense consists of a combination of agencies working together in a coordinated effort. In Nevada, Gov. Kenny Guinn selected Jerry Bussell, a retired Army colonel, to lead this effort with his vast experience and skill.

Working with the U.S. Homeland Defense director, former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, and Nevada's congressional delegation, Bussell was able to bring Nevada upward of $40 million to assist in a massive defense effort. His work in coordinating all of the responding agencies gave Nevada the greatest degree of protection.

It is a tribute to Gov. Guinn that he selected the best qualified person for this position of leadership. The threat is not over and preparedness is an ongoing task, but we can take comfort in knowing that someone like Col. Bussell is at the helm in Nevada.

WILLIAM A. MUNNELL

Editor's note: William A. Munnell, an 18-year resident of Reno, served in a counter-intelligence capacity with the U.S. Army during World War II. He served in the California Legislature for 12 years and is a retired justice of the California Superior Court.