It is an understatement to say that recent flooding has been a major concern for our community. Given the events surrounding the flood and aftermath, this issue is at the forefront of this election. Every member of our community was affected by what transpired, and it is something that we will not forget. It is easier for some people to place blame rather than exploring and implementing practical solutions, but we cannot let this happen. Even though past administrations and city council have failed to act, Mayor Iriti deserves our thanks for the time he has dedicated over the past several months to taking on this challenging problem.

We have all heard of the solutions being offered…wait on the Army Corp of Engineers…dredge the river…tear down houses and buildings. Each of these potential solutions also brings a myriad of questions and uncertainty. The only thing we can be certain about is that there is not one simple answer that can solve this complex issue. The natural and expected follow-up question then becomes, ‘So what do we do?’.

First, the early warning that has been approved needs to be implemented. This will give much needed data to the National Weather Service, as well as providing a heads-up to local authorities about the severity of future floods. Any improvement in the early detection and warning of hazardous weather will only benefit our community.

Secondly, the new warning system being installed is only as good as the communication surrounding it. All levels of government should be responsible for working with local media, city government, emergency personnel and community members to let them know as far in advance of what is coming, and then continuing the open and honest communication until the crisis has passed.

Third, we need to let the Army Corp of Engineers continue their course of action. With the 2007 flooding, national attention (and much needed media exposure) was brought to this issue; Mayor Iriti is doing his job, making sure that the ACE does theirs. When elected, I assure you that our voices will be heard, and that a solid plan is not only formulated, but put into action.

Fourth, I will continue to ask the mayor’s flood task force to meet, but will expand it to allow for additional viewpoints and ideas. We should look beyond traditional ideas if we are serious about solving (or maintaining) this issue for the long-term. Our community has a diverse set of experiences and ideas that cannot be summarily dismissed. We also need to look beyond our community to see how others have dealt with this issue. We should not be closed to any ideas; with changes in engineering, technology and flood mitigation over the past twenty years, it would be in our best interests to be open to any and all ideas.

The final piece of this complex problem is very simple: it is you. None of the changes that need to occur will happen immediately. It will take some time for the day to arrive when we do not have to worry about flood waters spilling over the banks of our river and creeks. It is up to you to make sure that the city does not stop working on this issue. I need to ask for your patience and understanding as we take the time to evaluate and make the best possible choice. It may seem as if the process is taking too long, and if it is, we need to know; If city council does not do their job, bring in someone who will; If I do not do my job, bring in someone who will.

The thing that has always impressed me about this community is our spirit. In the middle of a crisis that most of us will never experience again, our community rallied around and offered their support to those who were in need. Talking to those who were displaced by the flood, they were very proud of how their neighbors and local agencies reacted to provide assistance and relief. As I helped friends clean out their basement, or sitting alongside neighbors meeting with each other to discuss what to do next, or just listening to someone relive what happened, I was reminded of how much we care and how confident we can be that we will make it through, together.