Floods tell us, prompt us to action. Damage to considerable property may be giving us a message. Drastic repeats of past frustrations may be saying: “think about your future!” Major inconvenience that cripples the sense of well-being begs for new realities. The wasted treasury of a citizenry is shouting: “give us some new challenges!” The flood waters are speaking with a megaphone.

While long-term investments are being used across our city, let us think of the non-profit organizations that create our dreams.

Again I submit to the City Council and Board of Commissioners another proposal. I stood before your microphones a number of times; I’ve met with some of you privately; our dialogues have kept phone lines jumping. So here goes …Enough destruction. Another possibility:

The Vineyard Church has again been ruined by the contaminated waters. Across the street the splendid organization of service, the Salvation Army, is water-logged. For now, out of commission.

Can the community rally, with outside funding, for the church to be relocated to a site where the story of Noah’s Ark is not re-enacted in their place of worship?

Consider the Robbins building. Could that be the new headquarters and service outlet for the Salvation Army? Possible? Yes! A consideration: May our leaders back up a few weeks in their planning. Now for the imagination and planning of elected persons to make it happen. Could disaster relief monies be made available for such action? The present locations of the Austin Vineyard Church and Salvation Army have possibilities for the parking needs of our downtown. Thank you!

Marvin Repinski

Austin