A new face for MIA (translated from Spanish)
http://mdad-intranet/postmaster/news/Venue-ETG-profile-Feb-2014.pdf (Click to read the
original article in Spanish)
You are a former Director of USCIS, expert in international affairs and U.S.
Army Colonel. How did you come to be Miami-Dade Aviation Director?
When I was offered the job, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez told me he was
looking for someone who was successful at running large organizations. People tend to
forget that at the end of the day, Miami International Airport is a fully self-supporting
business with a billion-dollar operating budget. With about 100,000 passengers daily and
nearly 40,000 total employees, MIA has the population of some local cities. The Mayor
was looking for someone to run this enormous, complex economic engine like a
business. Before joining the County, I served as President and CEO of my own
government Affairs consulting firm after having the same role for the North American
operations of a major multi-national IT solutions corporation. I also think my experience
as Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services overseeing a $2.5-billion
budget and 19,000 employees in 300 offices worldwide, in addition to a 26-year career in
the U.S. Army from which I retired with the rank of Colonel, certainly meets the
requirements Mayor Gimenez was looking for. He understands the importance of MIA to
the County and I am honored to have been given this opportunity.
MIA has been going through extensive transformations. When is the
project expected to be completed and how much did it cost?
The last remaining project of MIA’s $6.5 billion Capital Improvement Program is the final
phase of the North Terminal’s automated baggage handling system, which will fully
connect the system to our new North Terminal federal inspection service facility. This
final phase is scheduled for completion in February 2014. We are seriously studying
redevelopment options for MIA’s Central Terminal but no plans have been finalized.
Do you think that programs such as Global Entry, SENTRY and NEXUS are
to some degree risky for our safety and the safety of passengers?
We have not seen any reason for concern with any of these trusted traveler programs by
the federal government.
What does MIA do to control the taxi drivers that are trying to take
advantage of tourists?
I have worked with Mayor Gimenez to develop a comprehensive Ambassador
Cab ordinance scheduled for a final hearing by the Board of County
Commissioners on December 3. The ordinance has a new set of regulations,
including heavy fines for overcharging passengers and inadequate vehicle
quality, that would drastically improve taxicab service for our travelers. It would
be the first time that taxi drivers and their vehicles will be held to these high
standards.
As Director of MIA, don't you think the television program Airport 24/7
shows more about the security of the airport than it should?
County and federal officials involved with the production of the show were careful not to
reveal any information that would compromise the safety and security of our operations.
The show’s production company also allowed the Aviation Department to pre-screen and
remove any material that may be security-sensitive
Why is MIA considered a category "X" high-risk airport?
MIA is a category X Airport according the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
because of the number of passengers we handle and because of security
considerations given our geographical location and routes served.
What is the most unusual thing you have seen happen in MIA in your
capacity as Miami-Dade Aviation Department Director?
The most unusual and surprising thing I have learned in my first year is that we have
deer that sometimes get on the runway of our general aviation airport near the
Everglades. Thanks to our Wildlife Control staff, wildlife is kept away from aircraft during
takeoffs and landings. I never thought that airports would have wildlife control officers.
What do you personally think of the merger between AA and U.S.
Airways?
In simple terms, a stronger American Airlines means a stronger MIA. The merger
between American and US Airways means greater financial stability for our hub carrier,
which is why I have supported it from the beginning and opposed the Justice
Department’s lawsuit against it. MIA is one of the five hub airports at which American
has committed to expanding flights by 20 percent over the next five years, and the
merger will only help them achieve that goal. As the new American Airlines grows, I want
MIA to grow with it.
Do you think it will be an advantage for MIA and travelers or the opposite?
The new American Airlines will have the financial stability to continue adding and
expanding routes at MIA, which will provide passengers with even more travel options.
When is the new automated baggage screening system scheduled to
commence?
In November, MIA received a $101-million grant from the Transportation Security
Administration to install a new state-of-the-art automated baggage screening
system that will double the screening speed of the existing system in our Central
and South terminals. The grant will fund a total replacement of the current
manual system in Central Terminal (concourses E, F and G) and renovations to
the existing automated system in South Terminal (concourses H and J) to create
one interconnected system with 12 new high-performance EDS machines, each
capable of screening nearly 800 bags per hour. The project is scheduled for
completion in 2018. North Terminal already has a new baggage screening
system, which means the entire airport will have state-of-the-art baggage
screening when the project is completed.
Recently there was an accident where a pedestrian lost his life. What is MIA
doing for the safety of pedestrians?
In addition to clearly marked signage already in place, as well as new roadway
lighting at our crosswalks between MIA’s parking garages and the terminal
building, we are working with the Miami-Dade Police Department to conduct
special operations for intercepting motorists exceeding the speed limit. We have
also paid for ads airing this month on English and Spanish radio that warn drivers
to obey the posted speed limits and watch out for pedestrians at MIA.