In the aftermath of floods: Thanks to all!

As I write this the flood storm clean-up is winding down for some in the city and surrounding areas, while for others, it is just more of the same as it has been for a few days and may be for another week or so, maybe even longer, depending on the amount of one’s damage. But, no matter how much damage anyone sustained, we can all be thankful there were no serious injuries or lives lost in last week’s double-shot of storms and flooding.

I’ve heard from so many people about how their neighbors pitched in and helped each other out. That is something that renews one’s faith in humanity and everyone who offered to help out another in need, should be commended and thanked. I also want to thank the city administration and employees for their efforts in the wake – no pun intended – of a horrible situation. The city kept citizens informed through the various outlets of Oshkosh Community Media Services with hourly updates and others as the situation warranted. There was a lot of helpful, up-to-date information on the Oshkosh Northwestern’s web site too as well as other local and Green Bay media. And employees of the police and sheriff’s department were as helpful as they could be with providing information that was changing, sometimes by the minute, but at all times very polite, despite being deluged with calls. And the extra efforts will continue I’m sure, with relaxed garbage pickups rules for certain items and assistance with finding where to apply for state of federal assistance, etc.

Still, many citizens are unhappy – some rightfully so – and have suffered tremendous loss. I have heard plenty of complaints in the last few days, too, including from some who think that larger drainage pipes citywide are needed instead of a riverwalk, etc. The cost for one palls in comparison to the other, and I’m not even sure something like larger pipes would make it a difference when the filtration plant was pumping at maximum capacity. But all the week’s events beg the question: Is there anything more or different the city could have done, and if so, what? I am trying to get our acting city manager and the director of public works on an upcoming show to discuss these and other issues. If people have questions they’d like us to ask these gentlemen, please send them to me at hosts@eyeonoshkosh.com, and if they're able to appear, we'll be sure to ask them. In the meantime, please feel free to participate in the online poll on this home page about whether the city did enough and acted quickly to alert people to the ever-changing situation during the recent storms. And thanks again to everyone for pulling together and acting like one united community, even if only for a little while.