Leaders’ response won’t go unnoticed

I've been to hundreds of local government meetings in the past six years. My first, in April 2008, was out of interest in a projected riverfront improvement plan for Cedar Rapids (then-mayor Kay Halloran had declared 2008 'the year of the river”). Then, in June 2008 the epic flood hit and I changed from observer to participant. My home was one of the multitudes that sustained significant damage in the heart of the city.

I stood with my neighbors at our corner of O Avenue and Eighth, near the Iowa National Guard vehicles which stood between us and our flooded properties. Days passed as water receded until, 10 days after the flood hit, the barricades were moved.

A yellow sign posted on my door indicated it was safe for me to enter and remove possessions but that I wouldn't be allowed to stay there. Inside, we saw water-soaked furniture, appliances. electronics and photographs tossed about and resting in strange places. The smell was sickening. The floors and walls were caked with mud, sewage and interrupted memories. River revitalization plans no longer were on my priority list. Rebuilding our lives and neighborhood was my driving force from that day.

I turned to my local government agencies to find answers about how we could recover and rebuild. I was raised to believe elected officials of the community would be there to assist in our hours of need. I found many employees, friends, strangers and first responders eager to help us.

I made more than 100 visits to local, state and federal departments and meetings the first year of recovery. I trusted and supported this system that I knew would not fail residents. Disaster 101, I can honestly say, is a real test of human endurance.

Fast forward to July 2014. I'm in a meeting. It is time for public comments. Several residents address elected officials: They're recovering from recent storms and flash flooding. They are upset and plead for help with damaged homes and personal property. I'm reminded of flood victims in 2008 standing in lines at a temporary Council Chamber. The faces are different now, but their worries are clearly the same.

Is it unrealistic to expect elected officials to be approachable and thoughtful in their response? Cities don't get to pass on the next disaster because their resources are exhausted by previous bouts with nature.

It isn't costly to listen to the people and offer to look for solutions. I promise our residents will never forget if they are treated with kindness and respect. They also will remember who was willing to offer it.

' Neighborhood advocate Linda Seger is past president of the NW Neighborhood Association and community representative to The Gazette's editorial board. Comments: Lsiglin44@gmailcom.