[StBernard] Stylish cottage for Katrina country is a big hit

[Westley Annis]

Craig,

You ain't kidding.

The biggest problem with FEMA is the Stafford Act which has absolutely no
basis in common sense.

During my dealings with FEMA and the LRA, at times I wanted to go back in
time just so I could bunch Mr. Stafford in the face.

Westley

-----Original Message-----

Westley and everyone,
 
While I try not to sound too jaded, the whole Katrina Cottage issue is
another capitalization of a disaster response system that focuses on the
wasteful spending process rather than a real assistance program.  This is
nothing new as responses go- the argument was made when the world renowned
planner bought by the LRA came to do a planning session and just as an aside
came promoting the cottage concept.
 
Here is a unique idea- lets have congress amend the Stafford Act (which is
what governs disaster relief by FEMA) so that eligible victims can access
financial assistance directly in an easy to account for way and let people
use the 50K or so to really be helped instead of winding up with a cottage
that in the long run creates more bureaucratic problems at all levels.
 
Congress approved a couple of million dollars on a pilot program for the
cottage and LA is biting on it.
 
Good luck and God Bless,
Craig