If there's anything that's become abundantly clear since Sandy, it's that we live in a community of unique strength and spirit.
Three months on, and there are still daily examples of neighbors helping neighbors, businesses helping businesses, and a shared sense that we will get through this together. Which made the tone of last Tuesday's City Council meeting all the more disappointing.
Never in our history has there been a greater need for the level of civility and cooperation that has been evident throughout our community. Yet this appears to be missing from the attitude projected by some of our city leaders.
Whether it be internal bickering, evasive and exasperated responses to citizens, or general boorishness, any leader who believes this is the appropriate tone during these times of crisis understands neither the situation in our city, nor our citizens.
Not when the selfless actions of so many have brought the community together. Times like these call for city officials to lead with a steady hand, a level head, respect for each other and the public, and an attitude that unifies, not divides.
That is the example I've seen our citizens set. The council members would be wise to learn from them.
Keith Grant
Long Beach
(Note: The writer is the former editor of the Long Beach Herald and served in the U.S. Army from 2003-12.)
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