Most of life’s problems are eventually solved in time, though not always in the “time frame” we might want or even need. In the case of metaphors, consider that these sayings endure because they have proven to be true more times than not.
Consider this popular metaphor or proverbial statement…
“The squeaky wheel gets the grease”.
Meetings, promises, presentations of factual material debunking flawed FEMA flood criteria (special thanks to David Tunno), followed by dodging, deferring and stonewalling eventually led to unpleasantries on the front page of a regional newspaper and various local papers.
At first many gasped with concern for civility and protocol. Then after digesting the context and the seriousness of the ineptitude on the part of the Congressman, citizens became incensed that their local representative had to go to such a length, as a last resort, to get the response desired.
Finally, one week to the day after the disparaging remarks appeared on the front page of a regional newspaper, we find that FEMA has done a 180 degree turn about and is now willing to concede to the exact same requests made by our local representatives no more than 5 months ago at the Congressman’s office.
Was this serendipity perhaps? That is a rhetorical question of course.
Sometimes we face difficult situations where as much as we might want to practice civility, when faced with a larger more formidable foe, we cannot afford formalities.
The American Patriot army most often did not square off with the British on the open battlefield which was the customary and “civil” manner in which to conduct a “gentleman’s battle”.
To bring this back full circle…
“The squeaky wheel gets the grease” and in the case of the Congressman and our local citizens being extorted by FEMA, it appears the continual squeaking that peaked with a front page criticism in a regional newspaper ended the standoff, as the Congressman is in an election cycle and has more to lose from negative press than the local officials causing the fuss for the protection of their local people.
If my wee nanny Kilpatrick were here to sing us a song, God rest her soul, it would go like this.
“Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling…’tis you, ‘tis you must go, and I must abide.”
If you are currently being billed for unnecessary flood insurance and would like help arranging the appropriate information to remove yourself from the erroneous FEMA flood designations, please contact our county planning department and register for assistance on the newly forming list. Our county Planning Department along with our I.T. Department have committed to helping those in need on a first come basis and as they have available staff sufficient to handle the volume.
Let us remember that all hardships can be overcome in time with courage and dedication. I possess both and will continue to relentlessly pursue solutions to the problems we face as a county. Working together, we can succeed and in that light I would like to thank the following people who have been integral in making this happen.
Special thanks to; Supervisor Tofanelli, Supervisor Callaway, Our new Planning Director Rebecca Willis, Public Works Director Tom Garcia, I.T. Director Howard Stohlman, David Tunno, Char and Bob Stanton (who originally did much of the background work for myself and Mr. Tunno to build upon) and to Northern California FEMA director Kathy Schaeffer for being willing to stick it out through harsh criticisms of her agency at times.
Sincerely, Darren Spellman –Calaveras County Supervisor District 5
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