RE: Supervisor Bill Horn's Diary of a Fire and Reflections

I recently read the ‘Diary of a Fire and Reflections’ from 5th District Supervisor Bill Horn. Although there was no question in my mind that the Supervisor and his staff were out in the District assisting wherever there was a need, I was appalled at the “letter to the editor” in the N.C. Times challenging his service. Even a disaster does not halt partisan politics.

Being one that did not evacuate and stayed in town to do what could be done to assist, I cannot help but note that this disaster could have been so much worse and am amazed at how many people and homes could have been destroyed had it not been for the heroic efforts of police, fire, volunteers and others that jumped in to make a difference. It was not the Federal Government that made a difference, but the spirit of the people that pull together to take care of their families and community. A prime example was the evacuation center at Qualcomm. No crime, looting, destruction, just plain people helping each other. At the end, clean-up was done and a football game was held. Quite a contrast to New Orleans!

This is what can be done when people are empowered instead of waiting for government to take care of them.

My thanks and congratulations to Bill, his staff and the County for a job well done.

Don McDougal