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Looking around at the communities affected by the flooding in August, it’s clear that while many people have been helped by volunteers, family, friends and the government, there’s still a lot left to do. And, as time passes, desperation turns into depression — both personal and economic.
It what has become an all-too-familiar story, bureaucracy and politics have become like parasites on the flood recovery process. At the risk of biting the hand that is feeding the affected communities ever so slowly, the state needs to be releasing more funds, flexing the rules to make sure those still struggling get all the help they can. And the state needed to do it days ago.
Much of the money that has been designated for flood recovery remains unclaimed. Yet tales still continue to be told about families who don’t qualify for this program because of some rule or another. Businesses also seem to fall through cracks.
It could be a case of a few vocal residents, a few disgruntled businesses. Or, it could be because the programs have been too restrictive, the process too cumbersome.
Now comes talk of funding, round two.
We hope this round of funding will be a little heavier on the money side and a lot lighter on the strings attached. No matter how hard government tries, departments, especially the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, just can’t help but writing and dreaming up regulations, rules and processes.
But that’s most unwelcome when all you’re trying to do is get back to normal. It almost seems as if the state government thinks up new ways to put obstacles in place as a way of justifying bureaucrats’ existence, while folks in places like Rushford are struggling simply to exist.
Help should be with as few strings attached as possible. These aren’t handouts, they’re investments — in the future of places like Rushford, Goodview, Stockton and Minnesota City.
Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes has done a wonderful job fighting for businesses and gathering stories to share with fellow leaders. She’s also brought different agencies and leaders to the table to work on solving lingering issues.
Steve Drazkowski has continued to fight the bureaucracy and speak out when he sees problems. Drazkowski’s special election to the Legislature has been a true baptism by flood.
We commend him for the tireless role he’s played in getting the state to not only listen, but really see what parts of the system are failing when it comes to helping those affected by the floods. He continues to put pressure on leaders and the Pawlenty administration to make sure everyone who needs help gets it.
It’s nice to see Drazkowski committed to the fight to rebuild communities in his district as well as the entire region. Drazkowski’s persistence has certainly paid off for flood victims as well as raise awareness and remind us that those who needed help a few months ago still need help today.
It’s time for another round of aid because time and maybe more importantly hope are running out.
So try again.
By Darrell Ehrlick, editor, on behalf of the Winona Daily News editorial board, which also includes publisher Rusty Cunningham and online editor Jerome Christenson. To comment, call (507) 453-3507 or send e-mail to letters@winonadailynews.com.
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