By Sen. Pam Roach
For The Courier-Herald
As summer wanes and the kids are getting ready for school I have been worried about some in our communities. Maybe you can help.
Please contact me if you can donate new or gently used clothing for students. School supplies such as back packs, notebooks, pencils, and such are needed. Please call my legislative office at 253-333-4918 and we will connect you with local volunteers. With an unemployment rate of nearly 10 percent we have many families that need our help.
Preparedness Training
This week I will spend three days in training to become part of the statewide Community Emergency Response Team. I am trying to walk the talk here. We need more trained people to help in emergencies. I already have my ham radio license and now my goal is to become a registered emergency worker.
I will take my training in Auburn. The city of Auburn hosts preparedness classes open to all. They offer a less intense class to interested community groups and organizations. The 90-minute presentation covers general disaster preparedness information, community resources, and local hazards information. To schedule a class for your group, contact Auburn’s the Emergency Preparedness Office at 253-876-1925.
Neighborhoods should organize
Neighborhood disaster groups parallel Neighborhood Watch which guards against criminal activity. In this case, Map Your Neighborhood is a neighborhood-based disaster preparedness program. It is designed to help organized neighborhoods become prepared for disaster.
The state of Washington puts a lot of taxpayer money into helping us prepare to help ourselves. And, we need to get our money’s worth. My office will be communicating with local homeowner associations to encourage participation in MYN. Self-organized neighborhoods that offer leadership to residents can take this important step in disaster preparedness. Organizing materials are provided. Support from emergency management staff and specially trained volunteers will help. Contact my office or the city of Auburn to get involved. Remember the old adage: Better safe than sorry.
Aims for our wounded Veterans
This month I was elected to the executive board of the Joint Select Committee on Veteran and Military Affairs and then elected co-chair. I feel honored to be given this responsibility by my peers. This assignment is heartfelt.
Traumatic brain injury is a signature event of the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Legislators have been working with the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Federal government to provide a rehabilitation facility for victims of traumatic brain injuries.
Initially, the department wanted the treatment center to be in Snohomish County. I argued that our returning veterans should be in Pierce County. I reasoned that they should be near Madigan Hospital and near their families. Many families are housed near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
The Soldiers Home at Orting is already a nursing facility and with its 200-plus acres there is plenty of room to expand. Importantly, the taxpayers already own the land. The policy has now been redirected to encourage Orting as the site for the new TBI center.
I will be leading the JSCVMA on a tour of both Madigan Hospital and the Soldier’s Home next month. If you would like to join the tour please contact my office.
Rainier School tour
The Pierce County Legislative Coalition stood together during the 2011 session. We want to keep the Buckley facility open and expand the options for the future. For instance, I believe we need to provide a place for respite care. Many families care for their family members with severe disabilities but need to get a rest for a week or two during the year.
There was a full court press this session. All of our area’s elected officials were working together in a coordinated effort. But this is needed year after year. I want to set a policy that gives assuredly to residents, relatives, legislators and the local community that Rainier is here to stay.
There will be a tour of the facility this fall. If you are interested in attending p lease call my office at 253-333-4918.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I am working hard to make our community a better place and to protect your rights as citizens.
