|
|
| |
City Hall News …
and the
continuation of
“CITY GOVERNMENT FROM THE GROUND UP”
by Marilyn Smith-Mooney
Senior Council Member & Former Mayor
September, 2004
TOPS ON MY LIST
OF HEROES
 (in
lieu of my usual monthly column of city news and
knowledge)
#1. Punta Gorda's City Employees -- every
single one of them! God bless you for your
unbelievable dedication to the people of this city.
No other city could be more fortunate or proud than
we are to have such wonderful people protecting
|
|
|
|
In this issue....
Feature: |
| |
|
Tops on My List of
Heroes
by:
Marilyn Smith-Mooney
|
|
|
| |
them and providing the many services we so often take for
granted. At a time when many of you had loved ones in
storm-wrecked homes, you instinctively and selflessly
responded to the needs of the people in Punta Gorda; and for
that you have my highest respect, admiration, gratitude and
affection. You were our community's critically-needed
"first responders;" and, like the Energizer pink rabbit, you
all seem to miraculously keep on going, and going, and
going. Each of you -- and your families who had to
do without your presence at home in what I know were very
critical situations for some of you -- deserve the gratitude
and respect of everyone in our city. Each and every one of
you working together, under circumstances we never dreamed
possible, have shown us how truly blessed we are to have
such outstanding people working for us. The bond our
employees have with this community, though many do not even
reside within it, is so strong and lasting that we even had
several former management employees unexpectedly
arrive on the scene in those first critical days from as far
away as North Central U.S. to contribute their knowledge and
experience to those currently in positions they once held.
I believe that says it all for the rare and special
qualities unique to our city's workforce!
#2. The National Guard, the American Red Cross, the
Salvation Army, FEMA, the Corps of Engineers, Charlotte
County Emergency Management, Clear Channel Radio, the
"Charlotte SUN," the "Charlotte Herald-Tribune," law
enforcement & medical teams from other areas, FPL & power
company teams from all over the country, churches and other
charitable/service organizations, local merchants &
businesses, the many individual volunteers who came forth
from within and outside of our area instinctively and
generously responding to our needs for help ... the list
is literally endless and can't help but deeply touch the
heart of every member in our community! More than
heroes, they are living proof that we truly are "... One
nation under God!"
#3. The people of Punta Gorda ... how I love you all
for your caring of one another and our community which you
have shown in abundance as Charley tore through and
shattered not only buildings, but lives, hopes and dreams as
well. Slowly and apprehensively making our way around the
various parts of the city's downtown and residential
neighborhoods in the wake of Charley's wrath, one could not
help but feel thankful simply to be alive and realize that
our community's greatest asset and blessing is not
"things" ... it's "people!" For the many who
lost homes or businesses, let us please remember that we
may well be the only thing some members of our community
have left to help them re-weave the unraveled threads of
their lives from Charley's rampage. And for those suffering
the loss of a loved one, those who sustained injuries, and
those beset with health complications or other unfortunate
events inflicted upon them, we might well be the only
ones to to watch over them and make certain their
special needs are provided. Above all else, let us realize
that we are one people bound together by our Creator. It is
through the sharing of our individual talents and compassion
for one another that the human spirit burns the brightest
and and our strength working side by side is at its greatest
for tackling the "things"-- the bricks, mortar, and
timbers of our physical city -- that will speak for years
and generations to come of the soul and unique fiber of our
people and their passion for the community and one another.
National magazines might not give us high marks over the
next few years for our "quaint historic district and
small-town charm," but we surely will have demonstrated that
the spirit of our people and love of their community is the
beating heart which makes all "things" possible! May
God keep you all safe and attentive to the needs of one
another as we work side by side reconstructing the city we
love.
Please click here for additional information
or if you would like to contact the
author of this article, Marilyn Smith-Mooney. Thank you!
|
|
"If you are really living... you are enjoying the Punta Gorda
Life"
|
