STAFF EDIT: Encouraging Evans

Following the events of Sept. 11, the city of Boston has been on alert for potential terrorist attacks. In response, the Public Safety Commission has gathered more often and considered its options for attack reactions. To improve the efficiency of the Commission, Mayor Thomas Menino proposed an ordinance amendment that would make Police Commissioner Paul Evans the group’s administrative head. In many regards, this is a comforting thought.

As lead administrator of the Public Safety Commission, Evans would initiate discussions about preparing for possible emergencies. Additionally, he would be the first person Menino would call in the event of another attack, making him responsible for leading the city’s emergency response.

This proposed role would be taken out of the hands of Chief Operating Officer Dennis DiMarzio, who handles much of the mayor’s Cabinet activities, and DiMarzio has said he is not knowledgeable enough for the position. This is absurd, as DiMarzio has a responsibility to communicate with the various safety departments and stay abreast of community issues. Nevertheless, the city could guarantee an informed Commission head by assigning Evans to the post.

In an emergency, there may not be anyone more qualified to lead the city’s relief effort than Evans. Still, the job is not merely a matter of action. There is paperwork to be filled, as well. Evans would have to prepare the Commission’s agenda and follow up on decisions made in meeting. While the extra work may be more than any police commissioner needs, it is important for Evans to be the leading voice in public safety if he is to lead the city’s emergency relief efforts.

Implementing the change will undoubtedly be a challenging task, but its importance is overriding. The country now knows the importance of being prepared for any attack on its people or infrastructure. As a major center of American life, Boston must have the most qualified man leading its defense effort.