An editorial from State Representative Rod Scott (Jefferson County)
A Path of Destruction
Last week Alabama was heavily hit once more by storms and tornadoes. Our state was ravaged by disasters and tragedies that have left scars across the state, both physically and emotionally. The storms left a devastating impact on our communities. Although the EMA is working on damage assessments for our state, it is without a shadow of a doubt that many of our communities suffered far more damage than the required threshold to be declared a federal disaster. The problem is that our state leaders are not being proactive and responsive to the needs and concerns of the people of Alabama.
Alabama is my home. There is not one place in this country with better citizens. When our neighbor is hurt we reach out and give them a helping a hand and the very shirt off our backs. People in Alabama know that it is hard for everyone, and harder for some of us than others. What I cannot understand is why our state leaders have not asked for help regarding every hard hit area in our state after the devastating storms that crossed over each of our homes.
Governor Bentley has left many of our communities out of his initial request for federal aid; however, he claimed he would add more communities after President Obama declares Alabama a federal disaster area. But, I, like many other Alabamians, have a hard time believing he will keep that promise. After his broken promises to so many Alabamians, it is hard to imagine he will keep this one.
The problem is that even if Governor Bentley keeps his promise, by leaving many communities off the initial request he has delayed vital assistance that the people of Alabama desperately need. The storms last week did more damage than we initially thought. These storms had a terrible impact throughout our state, and everyone who has suffered should be included in the request for help. I believe wholeheartedly that the people of Alabama deserve a better and more responsive government. Clearly many of our state leaders are out of touch with the people of Alabama and even the people of their own districts. The truth is that Alabama was already hurting, now it’s suffered yet another blow.
We can look at aerial pictures of the damage, watch the news and special reports, but that’s not the real story. The real story lies with the family who lost a loved one. The story lies with the small business owners who lost their life savings and work in less than a minute. The story lies with the families whose homes were ripped apart and destroyed as they held each other for protection. The story now is that most things can be rebuilt and replaced, but the hard part is starting over and recovering.
Our leaders need to be out in the communities helping the people they represent, not on a campaign trail when people of their district and their state need them the most. We all know it is election season, but ask yourself, what have your representatives, senators, and state officials done in the past four years? Have you seen them? Have they fought for you?
I am fully aware that these tragedies occur. When it comes to our children and their education we cannot take any chances. I was able to successfully pass through the Alabama Legislature House Bill 362. Along with the support of many others, House Bill 362 passed with much support. The bill gives the Alabama Department of Insurance the authority to sell insurance that would allow an old school building to be replaced with a new building in the case of fire or other natural disasters. It essentially takes local politics out of the process when a school is damaged or destroyed. It allows for a quicker and more efficient process to rebuild schools and make sure that they are fully insured. This bill also prevents the local school board from having to address the cost of rebuilding before the legislature. The cost between the appraised value and the actual cost of rebuilding will now be covered by current property tax allocations to insure the school is built with today’s codes. Myself, along with colleagues, felt the need to insure our schools, and essentially ensure education for the children of our state, no matter the tragedy.
Like the storms that ripped through our state last week, time and changes will come to pass. But, only if we take a stand. The Republican Supermajority in Montgomery has made changes that have hurt more than helped. It is time to put real representation back in The People’s House in Montgomery.
Right now, this very minute, too many Alabama families are hurting and not getting the help they need or deserve. It’s time for our government leaders to step up and do the right thing and make the right decisions. We all pay taxes, we all need the help. One thing is for certain; our communities cannot get the federal help they need if our state leaders do not ask for it.
The reality is that the storms last week caused devastation throughout our state and instead of ensuring help to the people of Alabama, our leaders are playing politics. Even though it is election season, the main priority of the leaders in Alabama should be the people. Last week we experienced a disastrous storm. Today we have seen the devastation left in its path. But what will tomorrow bring? I can only hope that the leaders of Alabama will be a voice for their people and represent their best interests. If not, I am afraid that the people of Alabama will not receive the aid they need and Alabama will continue on this path of destruction.
“The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness. Government exists for the interests of the governed, not for the governors.” ― Thomas Jefferson
