We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.
--John W. Gardner

The quote by Gardner ably describes our situation in Southeast Louisiana. We have problems with housing, insurance, extensive public and private damage yet to be repaired, an increase in homelessness, skilled labor shortages, higher equipment, material and energy costs, etc, etc. etc. They all seem so insoluble! Yet we must look at them as great opportunities to find new solutions.

To start, we must regain people’s trust by implementing a strong State ethics code, with required training. We must change the expectations and demand ethical behavior. We have good government when we have transparency in government.

Southeast Louisiana is still down over 100,000 mostly private sector jobs since Katrina. We need to rebuild the economy with good paying private sector jobs. We must change the laws and regulations that cause businesses to leave or not come to the State.

Vocational and technical training must be improved to produce graduates that can fill these demanding, higher paying jobs. We must partner with business and non-profits to identify the skills and training needed.

We must truly make coastal restoration and storm protection a higher priority in the budget. Levees alone are not the solution; we must reduce the amount of storm water allowed in Lake Pontchartrain during the days before landfall. Enough talk; it is time for action.

The State must improve basic services such as better roads, maintenance of public infrastructure, law enforcement, education, and public safety. We should increase funds returned to local government for infrastructure improvements such as traffic congestion and capacity problems.

The problems with affordable insurance continue. However, the good news is Secretary Donelon and the Congressional delegation are working on many fronts for longer term solutions. Seven new mid-sized insurance companies are planning to come to Louisiana. Congress is conducting hearings on HR 920 by Rep. Gene Taylor and co-sponsored by the Louisiana delegation. This bill would add optional wind coverage to the National Flood Insurance Program. I support these actions as a better long term solution to catastrophic events.

Ray Canada