Kudos to the Willmar City Council for its display of true leadership in response to the flooding at 10th Street and Kandiyohi Avenue! You took that impressive step from "Wait and see what happens" to "Let's not do anything." Outstanding. Mr. Reese, the "act of God" in this situation was that of God acting through all who helped get the Jorgenson family back on their feet. On behalf of Warren and Jan, I personally thank all that have donated time, money, food, supplies, etc. I have witnessed the Jorgensons' tears of loss and frustration on numerous occasions since their home was lost and also tears of gratitude toward those willing to help.
As a business operator, I have learned that leadership evolves. True leaders possess vision and are proactive. It's easy to hang out on the reactive first rung on the leadership ladder. To be reactive is to look at the situation after every 100-year rain and say, "We don't want to set a precedent" and talk about building detention ponds but never actually doing anything.
Go and check it out! Listen to how hollow the earth sounds under the Jorgensons' and Beckers' driveways and the surrounding sidewalks. Stick a rod in the ground and watch it disappear. Look at the holes in the grass that act as geysers when the water pressure builds so great. Check out the manhole cover that shoots two feet in the air when the water backs up.
All of this is not from one recent storm event. It's been eroding for years. These residents have asked for help in the past. You've left this entire neighborhood hanging out to dry. To not help is a statement of your intent as leaders of this community. To not help is to go back after witnessing all of the destruction and nestle in right under that first rung on the leadership ladder.
Steve Fischer
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Willmar
