Our Viewpoint
Time to clear away all the Rita red tape

Hurricane Rita made another pass through Jasper County Wednesday, Feb. 21.

Its landing was at the courthouse in the form of ORCA representatives who are seeking more information before releasing Community Block Development Grant funds to the county.

While other Texas counties have moved forward past the September 2005 storm, Jasper County still has to fight through the bureaucratic red tape that the storm left in its wake.

County officials have to constantly jump through hoops in order to received funds that have been allocated to the county by the federal government. Funds that this county worked hard to secure after the first round of CDBG money left Texas counties stranded.

Some might argue that Jasper County overspent during the aftermath of Hurricane Rita but what is indisputable is the fact that it's time the state and federal government put away all their red tape.

County officials took care of its residents during their time of need. Now, it's time for the state and federal government to do their share in the healing process.

Roses go to…..

t U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady, who has been at the forefront of every battle for Jasper County in seeking federal aid.

t City fire marshal Stephen Williamson for conducting fire safety classes for local businesses.

Thorns go to….

t Temple-Inland Inc, for announcing the sale of $1.8 million acres of timberland in Texas, Louisiana, Georgia and Alabama and how that decision will affect those areas.