My wife wears a red, white, and blue pin that says, “Bless the Press.” I second this message and bless our reporters at the News-Herald and WTIP.
Last week in the News- Herald were two gems to the editor —one on bullying and the second one caring for animals in the wilderness. Neighbors writing letters about issues get my attention.
When a letter is only about personalities of elected officials or civil servants, I move on. When a letter is only about money, I move on.
Two local issues I am concerned about are 1) long term planning and 2) emergency services.
Long term planning: Last year, Cook County commissioners hired a county administrator. Our administrator and commissioners have begun to establish a long-term plan for Cook County, at last!
Because officials may change with any election, the administrator and other civil employees are needed for continuity of services. New officials need background information, research, and recommendations from civil employees as well as from constituents.
Emergency Services: My wife and I have lived in Cook County long enough to witness a major blow down and two large wildfires. We are grateful for the fine work of firefighters and other emergency respondents. Emergency needs for additional lodging, clothing, sundries, and meals were met.
More recently Cook County worked to improve communications by consolidating related functions into a single department, Office of Emergency Management and Public Information. The title of Emergency Management director was given to the new civil employee. After my conversation with this appointee, I have a better understanding about these changes. Communication is vitally important to coordination of any emergency response involving North Shore counties and Thunder Bay to the north. On April 28-29, she hosted this year’s Emergency Services Conference (see WTIP’s web page “Emergency Services”).
Attending from the North Shore/Thunder Bay locations were police, firefighters, First Responders, doctors, nurses, and public health officials. The county administrator had a key role toward these new actions.
I am happy we live where people care about our future and wellbeing. Bless the press and neighbors who write to the editor about these issues.
Doug Sanders
Grand Marais
Leave a Reply