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One week after the storm hit I surveyed the coastal areas from 200 ft. I had seen the pictures and video on television, but seeing the damage first hand brought home just how much people lost in the storm.
I spent most nights driving our district, checking actual power outages compared to the CenterPoint maps and reporting back to them the next day. I worked each day responding to requests from Mayors, Superintendents, House Reps and the people of district 7 trying to solve their issues. I was only one person. But, I was fortunate to have the help of so many dedicated elected officials, public servants and an army of citizen volunteers to help address the needs of our district and our county.
My first priority after the storm was to contact all of our district leaders and see how our office could help them.
I also wanted to be sure that we had ice, water, food and fuel pushed into our area as soon as possible.
With the help of many, we distributed the much needed supplies to thousands during the first week through area PODs.
My next focus was to work with CenterPoint to get the power back to everyone just as quickly as possible.
I know many of you were frustrated that your power took 10 days to 2 weeks. Our area was hit hard as winds blew down over 1000 trees. The power company did their best, but with more planning I believe we can do better in the future.
Every MUD district, nursing home and gas station should have generators. Pharmacies and grocery stores should consider placing generators in key locations. If these private and public sector customers had self generated power, CenterPoint could more quickly focus on getting to areas of homes where the damage was heavy. I intend to pursue all of these issues.
The NY Times recently printed an article saying how lucky we were that the eye moved over to east Galveston as the storm shifted in the last few hours. The movement caused a 20 ft surge in Chambers County and caused much of this damage. However, the move saved thousands of lives as the 20 ft surge did not hit Galveston and the ship channel as all experts had predicted just hours before the storm hit.
In our district, and all across Harris and surrounding counties, lives were disrupted for weeks as power, and in some areas water, was lost. I will work to make recovery move even faster after future disasters. In the end, I want to thank the citizens, who were the real leaders of the recovery. Neighbors cut up fallen trees, helped neighbors, shared what they had with others, and showed the country what the Texas spirit is all about.
All of us who lived through this experience will never forget the roar of the wind, the darkness of so many nights. The whirl of the generators and the generosity of so many willing to help us. We will all have our stories to tell for years to come. All of us will have learned lessons from Ike and we will be that much better prepared in the future.
Despite the many disruptions to the lives of the people of district 7, we were blessed. Most of us have our homes, our businesses and our lives intact. I'm grateful for that and know you are as well. It is an honor to serve the people of district 7 and the great state of Texas. Texas really is a special place---it's the people who make us special.
Dan Patrick |
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Call in Number
281-558-5738 |
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