Local government can mobilize us in crisis

The COVID-19 virus is presenting the biggest challenge our society has faced since the Great Depression and World War II. The baby boomer generation is now facing the first major societal challenge in our lifetime. How we respond will determine the outcomes of the impact of this terrible virus that is circulating through our population.

During the Great Depression President Franklin Roosevelt used the federal government to create jobs and put people back to work. Automobile companies quit making cars and instead manufactured tanks and bombers to defeat Germany and Japan. Men and women joined the military and went to work building airplanes. What has been called the Greatest Generation mobilized and made great sacrifices to assure America would remain a free and democratic country.

Now it’s our turn. Today most of the elected officials serving in our local governments are of the baby boomer generation and in the next few weeks and months they will be challenged with making decisions that will help people get through this terrible time. People are losing their jobs and their ability to pay the rent or even purchase food and essential supplies. Our schools are shut down and kids are staying home, but the parents who are working will need childcare and hot meals during the day. Who is going to provide and pay for these services?