In an agency where planning against terrorist threats, deadly disease outbreaks and crippling natural disasters is part of the daily routine, you might think the scary scenarios would keep Richard Canas up at night. But New Jersey’s new homeland security chief says the one thing that has cost him some sleep is worrying about whether he has thought of everything. “The hardest part of this thing is that it’s moving so fast that I’m afraid I’m going to miss something,” he said. “It’s a very broad mandate. That’s what keeps me up at night.” Since taking over about two months ago as the state’s first permanent cabinet-level homeland security director, Canas has moved methodically to address key issues like chemical plant safety, communications, and perhaps most importantly, accountability making sure New Jersey’s far-flung and sometimes competetive agencies and first-responders know exactly who is in charge of what during a given situation. So just how safe is New Jersey against a terrorist attack? “At this point, I’m extremely impressed so far at our ability to analyze the information international information, national and local information,” he said. “Our ability is 100 times better than it was prior to 9/11.” So far, Canas gets high marks not only for preparation, but for approachability and willingness to listen and consider others’ viewpoints. Hal Bozarth, president of the Chemistry Council of New Jersey, praised Canas’ intelligence background, and his inclusive style while conferring on how to make chemical plants safer. “He’s served two presidents, he understands the issues and he’s got a working knowledge of how to make bueaucracies work together for a common good,” he said. “I’m very impressed so far. He’s a stand-up guy and I think he’ll do a heck of a job.” Canas, a 65-year-old married father of five, is in the process of buying a home in the Trenton suburbs. He says New Jersey still has work to do in terms of “target hardening” for potential terrorist targets, but said the most obvious, such as nuclear and chemical plants and petroleum refineries, were given immediate attention, along with airports and seaports.