My side of the story Terrorism and security (Flashback, by Logan Airport Manager, 9/11/2001)

Boston Glob ^ | 9/8/2002 | Virginia Buckingham

[bitt]

"I had no aviation experience when I was appointed to head the Massachusetts Port Authority in September 1999. What I had were political connections, the right gender, and a governor's faith in my abilities. The learning curve was steep, but the allure of aviation quickly captured my imagination - until the events of September 11, 2001.

This story is a recounting from Logan Airport, Boston's own ground zero, of the first hours and days following the new century's most searing moment. It is a sharing of my soul and a look into the soul of a city that felt sorrow but sought solace in political revenge. It is a journey I have taken in the shadow of families that lost so much more than a job and professional reputation, as I did.

For me, September 11 was an ending of all I thought I knew and all I thought I was.

September 11, 8:45 a.m. It started as a normal frenzied day. First, drop my 2-year-old son off at day care and then head to the airport.

I was catching a 10 o'clock shuttle to Washington, D.C., for a meeting with FAA administrator Jane Garvey to discuss Logan's proposal for a new runway.

Driving to the airport with a Massport colleague, James Roy, I heard the report..."

[bitt]

Never Forget.

[goodnesswins]

Okay....of all who read this article....how many have read "INFILTRATION" by Sperry? What did you think of it. (It's scaring the bejeezus out of me!)

[dsc]

It is offensive that this 35-year-old woman was given this job in the first place.

Reminds me of the bad old days when 12-year-olds were ordained bishops.

[angkor]

I've read Infiltration, but I live near the Wahabbi Corridor so it's really fleshing out of what I already knew: the terrorists are everywhere in Northern VA.

In fact I drove directly past the Dar al Hijra mosque yesterday, as I do frequently, and it's always an eerie experience.

[thegreatbeast]

A good story but the fact remains that Logan was chosen by Atta and the others for the simple reason that it was easy and sloppy. From top to bottom, Logan was end location of so much featherbedding.
The truth probably hasn't come out about just how bad things were. Boston is/was a nexus for Islamists and it was said that there were many of them "servicing" the planes in various capacities.
But, yes, the director's job of Logan Airport was just one more political plum to be given out.

[Issaquahking]

I had no aviation experience when I was appointed to head the Massachusetts Port Authority in September 1999. What I had were political connections, the right gender, and a governor's faith in my abilities. The learning curve was steep, but the allure of aviation quickly captured my imagination - until the events of September 11, 2001.

Hey Mr. Gov...the thought never entered your mind, but maybe you could have visited the aviation community for a recommendation for the "right person"? Course that would require intelligence, something most politicians miss in the common sense area. Why would a gov want somebody intimately familiar with his field and be able to do the right things? No wonder I work in the private community...

[Lazamataz]

"I had no aviation experience when I was appointed to head the Massachusetts Port Authority in September 1999. What I had were political connections, the right gender, and a governor's faith in my abilities."

That's pretty much all one needs to know.

The governor of this state should be quite thoroughly investigated.

[bitt]

'What I had were political connections, the right gender, and a governor's faith in my abilities."
~~~~~~~~~~~
"What I had were political connections, the right gender, and a PRESIDENT's faith in my abilities."

Hope that's not what we are going to be hearing about Harriet Miers.....