Complaints aren't founded in truth
It is very hard for me to continue listening to the ongoing issues of housing when I know we have codes to follow that are set forth by the international/North Carolina building, electrical, plumbing and fire safety codes. My general contracting company and electrical contracting company have worked with everyone to help with people affected to gain some type of normal life during and after the storm.
While I know there are many contractors in the area doing the same as we are, it is so hard for me to read an article in the local papers and the stories posted on the internet regarding the Haywood County Board of Commissioners not doing enough to help people to be able to have housing during this difficult time. I have seen truck drivers work many hours trying to haul stone to many areas washed out by the storm. This storm affected areas that had either never seen water this high (small streams that never reached above the bank level) or areas that have seen waters reach the area as seen by storms many other times in the past.
I am not sure what all FEMA is doing, but I know they have been in many areas where we have been working, as well as so many volunteers offering food and water. I know first-hand of at least two homeowners that have taken the funding from FEMA and moved away from Western North Carolina. Although they will be missed by their friends and neighbors, the place they did call home is still there and the memories they shared will always be remembered for years.
My family was from Graham County where they had no choice but to leave due to the Fontana Dam being constructed for World War II. I have read my grandmother’s journals many times to be able to understand how they felt since they were pushed out of the area, but they moved to Haywood County to work at Dayco, Wellco, Royal Pilkington (rag mill) and Lea Industries, which none of these companies exist here any longer. Did they complain about relocating? Of course they did, but I never read or heard anything bad about from my family regarding living in Haywood County.
Is there anyone out there that remembers going to school to see their friends each day? Well, think about all the children this was taken away from due to the floods, but they were finally able to reach the goal of seeing their friends each day. Remember this also; getting up every day and going to work. Maybe you didn’t want to, but you were able to see all the co-workers that you made wonderful friends with over the years.
It is my firm belief most, if not all, people affected by Hurricane Helene understand building codes have to be met. The women and men completing the flood assessments and of course issuing permits to re-build are doing all they can to help people get back in their homes with keeping safety being a main priority since nobody wants anymore devastation.
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I know of multiple families that are not going to be able to spend time in their homes for Christmas this year throughout parts of Western North Carolina and my heart goes out to them since they have lost homes, belongings and loved one’s during the storm.
Please understand everyone is giving 100% to help anyone affected by Hurricane Helene. It does not make any difference what your party affiliation may be, we are all human and can only do what we can to help people. With that said; let’s all stop laying blame on anyone and keep helping others so we can get back living a normal life here in the wonderful mountains of Western North Carolina where I like calling home.
A wise man once said; “Can we all not just get along?” It was my Dad. All of us should think about these words since my Dad was as simple as peanut butter & jelly. But these few words should be something everyone should look upon and try to, yes I said try, to allow them to resonate when times are really hard.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Dale Burris
Haywood County
