The Need for Local Control for Disaster Response

The events of the past year have provided grim reminders of the need for local control of county budgets and resources. Hurricane Rita in Southeast Texas and the wildfires in West Texas underscored the importance of a robust local response to emergencies. Adequate planning and skilled responders, supported by their counties, mitigated the loss of life and property from these disasters.
Can you imagine the additional damage that would have occurred if the county budgets were limited by revenue caps and these counties had depended upon a centralized state response? Texas has built an effective emergency management system based upon regional and local planning. Now is the time to reinforce those elements before the next emergency.
The state also has a vital role in this process. Additional equipment, specialized personnel, and funding should be mobilized and provided to support the local and regional response. These assets should be provided to augment the local command and control, not replace it.
Some state leaders are seeking to improve and enhance the state support. Rep. Jim Keffer, chairman, House Committee on Ways and Means, is particularly seeking suggestions for improving the wildfire response by state agencies. The lessons learned during these crises need to be implemented rapidly and effectively. Please forward any ideas for such improvements, and be careful out there.
For more information, please call me at 1-800-733-0699.
Jim Allison, General Counsel CJCAT