Dear Readers:
It's not everyday you get to feel proud in so many ways. Florida Governor Jeb Bush was recently a keynote speaker at the GE Security Conference at the Westin Diplomat Resort in Hollywood, FL. Being a Florida resident and supporter of Governor Bush, I was very excited to hear what he had to say. I also thought it was a great opportunity for my teenage daughter, Nicole, to see her governor firsthand and brought her along. We sat in the first row. She listened intently to every word —which for anyone who has teenagers is a feat in itself.
As part of the media, we were told that Governor Bush would be available for questions afterwards. It was incredible. He exited the doors of the ballroom and, instead, was immediately met with an onslaught of local media who weren't there to ask him about security. On the outer edge of this circle were the security media waiting patiently.
Like mother, like daughter, Nicole has a habit of rolling her eyes at matters that are bothersome, like this. She, too, wanted to meet the governor. I'm not sure if we made the face simultaneously but, all of a sudden, Governor Bush turned away from the press and walked over to us. I extended my hand. "Hello Governor Bush. Susan Brady, Editor in Chief of Security Dealer from Jensen Beach, FL. I just wanted to tell you what a great job you are doing. I'd like you to meet my daughter, Nicole, who wants to thank you for the FCATs." (They are yearly aptitude tests that kids often feel pressured by.)
Sensing I was not serious, he shook my daughter's hand and said, "Nicole, I'd like to give you some advice. Whatever you do in life, if you want to be a lawyer or an editor in chief, you will have to take a test and hopefully I am preparing you for that." Not taking her eyes off him, Nicole answered his questions. "What school do you go to?" he asked. She responded that she just finished her freshman year at Jensen Beach High School. He told her how lucky she was to have such a great new school and what a beautiful community she lives in. Their dialogue continued while I looked on, consumed by those heartfelt mother feelings. She and I were both awestruck by the experience.
It took Geoff Kohl, editor of SecurityInfoWartch.com to snap me out of it. Standing next to me, he introduced himself. "Governor Bush, can Florida tourism sustain a terrorist attack?" he asked. "From the events of Sept. 11th, we were tested," Governor Bush replied, "We did see a decline, but it has come back. Who really knows? That's why these terrorists need to be stopped." It was then my turn again. "What about all the small airports in Florida, how secure do you think they are?" The governor explained some measures being taken, and then said, "I should ask you that question, You are the expert. Are they secure?" To which I answered, "No, not really."
Now I am not the type of person that gets star struck easily (except maybe by Yankees Shortstop Derek Jeter) but the whole experience made me feel very proud—of my daughter, my community, my governor—and especially my role in security. The best though: driving home, Nicole turned to me and, with enthusiasm, excitedly pronounced, "I can't wait to tell my friends I met Governor Jeb Bush!" That is priceless. Thank you Governor Bush and thank you GE.
