DENVER—Gov. Bill Ritter is bringing back two former top state officials to overhaul Colorado’s often-criticized homeland security system, saying the responsibilities are too scattered to protect the state well.
“We inherited a system that is broken and in need of repair, and Gov. Ritter has made fixing this a top priority,” Ritter spokesman Evan Dryer said.
Ritter said Thursday that retired Colorado National Guard Maj. Mason Whitney will be his new homeland security coordinator, reporting directly to the governor.
His one-year term begins Aug. 1. He’ll be paid $120,000 a year.
Ritter also hired former state auditor Joanne Hill to oversee homeland security spending. Hill, who led an audit critical of the homeland security spending under former Gov. Bill Owens, will be paid $107,000 for a one-year term starting Sept. 1.
A 2005 state audit found that 13 percent of the state’s $15.8 million in grants had been misspent on office space, a bus and other items.
Federal audits also criticized state spending on homeland security. The state had to repay $1.5 million in federal funds it paid the South Metro Fire District for office space for the state’s emergency management operations center.
After getting $21 million in grants in 2006, Colorado is inline to get a minimum of $7.5 million this year in a more competitive process. To get more money, state and Denver officials must write grant proposals that will be compared to those from other states.
Ritter also hired Denver safety official Ken Smiley to develop plans to keep Colorado government running in case of a disaster. Dreyer said the state doesn’t have a plan.
Smiley will earn $100,000 a year.
